Darrell Wayne Fitzwater

Darrell Wayne Fitzwater, age 58, departed peacefully into Christ’s hands on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, after a valiant eight-year battle with kidney cancer. He will be dearly missed. Darrell was born to Shirley Gene and Ada Belle (Redden) Fitzwater on April 10, 1962 in Summers County, WV. God gave him the gifts of love, happiness, patience and the desire to share those gifts with all he met. As a toddler he was known as “Little Henry”, a nickname given by his Uncle Paul. He was later known by his family and friends as Wayne until settling on Darrell. Darrell graduated from Glasgow High School in 1980 and entered the United States Air Force in 1982. He was a member of LifeHouse Church in Townsend, DE and his favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Darrell was a muscle car enthusiast, his favorite being the Plymouth Road Runner although also he had a passion for Ford Mustangs, of which he owned several over the years. A huge fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, his happiness at their Super Bowl LII win was seldom eclipsed by anything other than the joy he derived from being with his loved ones. Darrell was blessed with a loving family. He married his best friend and soulmate, Wendy Leah Wagner on February 26, 2014. Himself a loving and dedicated father to his sons and daughters, he would encourage them frequently, and always had time to help them with any problems. Darrell’s battle with cancer is reflected in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “(7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (8) Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” Darrell always had high hopes of beating cancer. Even at his worst he was thinking of his sons, daughters and wife before himself. Darrell is survived by his devoted wife, Wendy Leah Wagner; children, Kyler Fitzwater and Nicholas Fitzwater, both of Bear, Rebecca Wagner of Smyrna and Alexandria Fox of Claymont; sister, Theresa Fitzwater Preston (Joe) of Millsboro; granddaughter, Lilly Schumacher of Smyrna; nieces, Shannon Riccelli, Brandee Preston and Holly Preston; and nephews, Shawn Riccelli and Jonathan Shisler. He was preceded in death by his parents. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 6:30 pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE. Face masks will be required for all in attendance. Services and interment will be held privately. He will be laid to rest at Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Darrell’s memory to Delaware SPCA, 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713.

Darrell Wayne Fitzwater

April 10, 1962 - January 12, 2021