Darrell L. Gambill

Darrell Gambill, 92, passed away on Saturday August 12, 2017 at Southern Oaks Care Center with family by his side. He was born July 15, 1925 in Pawnee, Ok to Earl and Laura Gambill. He was the oldest of four brothers and two sisters. He grew up in Pawnee where he attended and graduated from Pawnee High School. Darrell entered the United States Navy in September of 1943. Right in the midst of World War II. He served honorably, receiving several medals and had the distinction of serving in both the Pacific theater and the Atlantic. He received his honorable discharge in April 1946. Darrell married his sweetheart Mary Davis on May 30, 1950. After a distinguished career as an engineer/draftsman in the aerospace industry, including authoring two books in the field, he retired and returned to his beloved Pawnee in the 80’s. He was convinced to take charge of the Chamber of Commerce and revive it. Boy did he. He was instrumental in the resurgence of the Pawnee Memorial Rodeo, the creation of the Pawnee Bill Wild West Show, the veterans Walk of Honor and the gazebo on the court house square that now serves as a focal point for Pawnee. The list could go on. Many of the younger people knew him early on as Grandpa Bubblegum. Then as the proud grandfather cheering on his only grandson Alex in basketball and baseball. He was all things Pawnee. Darrell was active in the Veterans and the Alumni but his real passion the past several years was the Pawnee Historical Society. Especially promoting the Pawnee connection to Chester Gould/Dick Tracy. It can be said Darrell didn’t bleed red, he bled Red and Black. Go Black Bears!
He was preceded in death by his daughter Lynda Gambill, his parents, his brothers Bill and Harry and his sisters Edna and Barbara. Survivors include his wife Mary Gambill, his daughter Patti Hansen and her husband Marty and his grandson Alex Hansen. Also his brother Brad Gambill and his wife Janet.
The family requests in lieu of flowers to make donations to the Pawnee County Historical Society.
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, August 16th at two o clock at Highland cemetery in Pawnee.