Darrel Leon Britton, age 91, of Clay City, Illinois, was reunited in heaven with his wife and daughter on Saturday, March 21, 2026. He was surrounded by his family during his last hours.

      He was born on November 28, 1934, in Hoosier Prairie, Illinois, the son of Guy and Wanda (Rinehart) Britton. He married the love of his life, Melba Janice (Powers) Britton, on May 25, 1955, at Hoosier Prairie Baptist Church. They were happily married for 69 years.

      Darrel and Melba raised their four children, Faron, Janet, Alan, and Sandy, in Clay City. He was known as the “best damn road commissioner” Clay City Township ever had. He also served as mayor of Clay City and was a member of Civil Defense. Throughout his life, he held many jobs, including work with Toler and J.W. Rudy, Union IOUE 841, and Shelby’s Well Service. He was proud to use his skills as a heavy machine operator to help create several lakes, interstates, and dams, as well as do the dirt work for the Walmart DC in Olney. He was also a member of the Odd Fellows in Clay City.

      Darrel was raised in Hoosier Prairie alongside his brothers, where he learned to farm and milk cows. Those lessons carried into adulthood, as he made it his goal to provide, protect, and make sure everything was taken care of through regular maintenance.

      He had the deepest love for his wife, Melba (or “Ma”), and anything she said that needed to be done not only happened, but happened quickly and with the best available means.

      Darrel is remembered as everyone’s Papaw, with hands as big as baseball mitts. We will all miss the side-by-side rides for the kids that always included ice cream, the ambrosia sweet corn he planted every year, and the pristine yard he kept. His love for his family and friends will be cherished for a lifetime.

      Darrel leaves behind 3 children: Faron (Vonda) Britton of Newton, Alan (Renee) Britton of Orlando, Florida, and Sandy (Al) Meyer of Kell; 12 grandchildren: Christy, Shannon, Dawn, Stephanie, Kristopher, Gage, Ashton, Tabatha, A.J., Tamara, Reyce, and Remington; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 3 brothers: Shelby (Carol), Bob (Sue), and John (Bonnie); a sister-in-law, Alice; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

      He was preceded in death by his wife, Melba; a daughter, Janet Hall; siblings, Donnie, Bill, and Wayne; and 4 grandbabies.

      A funeral ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Burial will follow at Clay City Cemetery. A visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Linda E. White Hospice House, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence, visit: www.frankandbright.com