Obituaries : Darrell W. Ealy

Darrell W. Ealy, age 84, a longtime resident of Oxford, died Wednesday, February 18th at UIHC Downtown. Private family services will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with burial at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Belle Plaine with Military Honors. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Darrell W. Ealy was born August 30, 1941, in Belle Plaine, Iowa, the son of Doyle and Lucile Ealy. He attended the Belle Plaine school district and graduated with the class of 1961. After graduating from high school, Darrell enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War from 1962-1966. While on leave, he married Leslee C. Covington on June 8, 1964, in Memphis, MO. In 1966, he moved his family to Oxford.

Darrell worked as a plumber and pipefitter until he retired in 2000. He was a proud member of Local 125 Plumbers & Pipefitters for 59 years. Faith, family, and community were extremely important to him. Darrell was a founding member of Hands of Christ Worship Center in Oxford and involved with the Cedar Rapids Emmaus Community. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Oxford for over 30 years. Darrell served on the Oxford City Council for 16 years and was instrumental in helping start the Little League program. He enjoyed camping trips to Apple River each summer and traveling the lower 48 states, but most of all, Darrell enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity, giving one last gift as a donor through the Iowa Donor Network.

Darrell is survived by his children, Scott (Kelly) of Hohenwald, TN, Kevin of Elberon, IA, and Shelly of Oxford; six grandchildren: Andrew, Jacob, Sheldon, Blake, Latosha, and Adrienna; nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Larry; and his best friend of 55 years, Harry Dolder.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Leslee, son Russell, and his brothers Dean and Lloyd.