Darrell Lawton Mcmullen

eye that made his love and warmth palpable. Born on June 19, 1941 to Aubrey Lawton

McMullen and Jean Edna McMullen (Traylor), Darrell was a San Diego native. He was a natural

teacher and a lifelong learner who valued pursuing passion as much as education. Anyone

who knew Darrell knows he always had an arsenal of jokes up his sleeve, most of which had

already been heard. That’s what made them “Grandpa jokes”. His family is honored to have

inherited a touch of his sense of humor.

He had a heart for serving his community. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he went

on to devote 15 years working for Vallecitos Water District. For many years he was a loyal

member of The Rotary Club of San Marcos. He volunteered his time to The Boys & Girls Club

of San Marcos and Meals on Wheels, as well as the 12 years he spent on The Governing Board

of Palomar College. This servant’s heart was rooted in his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. He

shared an unbreakable bond with his wife, Nancy. Not only was he a husband, brother, dad,

grandpa, and friend…he was also a handy man, chef, carpenter, business partner,

accountant…he was everything to those who loved him and he always made it look easy.

He had a knack for keeping his family together. From the big stuff like family vacations to the

small stuff like taking his grandkids out for pancakes, he always found the perfect excuse for

gathering and he ALWAYS made sure to end the event with ice cream…to fill in the cracks.

Darrell is survived by his siblings Aubrey, Kathleen, and his lifelong best friend and brother,

Gary. He was preceded in death by his sisters Marguerite, June and Rosemary.

He loved his family, including his wife Nancy and children, Matthew, Marsi, Marni, Marshall,

and Michael. He had a special bond with his children’s spouses including Joey, Chris, Lily,

Jessica, and Sunny. He was a proud Grandpa to 17, and great grandpa to 1.

Darrell will be dearly missed and his presence will never be replaced, however, his legacy will

live on through his children, grandchildren and their ever growing families. He believed in and

invested in his family every chance he got. Those who knew him are better versions of

themselves because of the support and encouragement he so freely gave.

A celebration of life will be held in honor of Darrell on July 24. Anyone who knew Darrell is

invited to attend. For information, please email [email protected]