Darryl L. Blythe

Darryl Lee Blythe, 81, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 16, 2024, at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines, IA. Darryl was born in Beaumont, TX on June 8, 1943, to William and Kathryn Blythe. His family later moved to Des Moines where he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1961. It was there that he met his high school sweetheart, Jane Wilson. They married on October 20, 1962, and eventually settled in Clive to build their life together. They were blessed with two children, Greg and Janelle, both of West Des Moines.

Darryl began his work career at the Des Moines Register & Tribune. After a few years, he accepted a position at Meredith Printing in the mailroom. His hard work and dedication led to a promotion to mailroom supervisor. He made many lifelong friendships with the people he worked with. His employees respected him and his leadership style.

He was a dedicated family man who would do anything for his wife and children. He enjoyed travelling and taking yearly vacations with his family. There were many years where the family would pile into the car and take off for a two-week driving vacation around the country. Those trips were always a highlight and created countless memories. He loved going to the Iowa State Fair with his family, especially his daughter. He rarely sat idle and was happiest when he was working on something.

Darryl was an avid sports fan. He loved baseball, football, basketball, golf, motorcycle riding, and boating. Actually, he would watch or participate in anything as long as there was competition involved! His favorite teams were the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys, Boston Celtics, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved coaching his children and seldom, if ever, missed one of their events. Every time Janelle competed in the Special Olympics, he was there coaching and cheering not only her, but all the athletes. Later, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren compete in youth sports and was a fixture in the bleachers and cross-country courses at Valley High School events.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Jane; son, Greg (JoAnn) Blythe; daughter, Janelle Blythe; grandson Connor (Allysa) Blythe; grandson, Brandon (Erica) Blythe; granddaughter, Allison Blythe; great-granddaughter, Millie Blythe; brother, Larry (Lori) Blythe; sister, Sandra (Jerry) Hill; brother, Terry (Melinda) Blythe; four nephews; four nieces; and many great-nephews and great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, William (Lee) and Kathryn, and a brother, Billy.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23 from 5-7p.m. at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines. A service will begin immediately following the visitation at 7 p.m. A private family graveside service will be at noon on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Resthaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made directly to Liberty Landing Community, Inc. in memory of Darryl Blythe.