Darrell Biggs passed on March 22, 2023 and knew that his time was limited for the past year and a half since receiving the news from his doctor that he was born with a medical condition that was “luck of the draw” and there is no known help for. After receiving that news from his doctor, every day and every interaction he had with his family, co-workers, friends, neighbors, and dogs became more precious to him, and changed his outlook on life and his interactions with people. However, it did not stop him from continuing to share his wicked sense of humor whenever he got the chance.

Born in a U.S. Army Hospital at Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, Germany on August 25, 1960 to his parents Charles and Sue (Bruce) Biggs, the military came to be a very important part of his life. His parents raised him that it was an honor and a privilege to serve one’s country. Originally, his choice of the U.S. Air Force was his way to show his deep respect for his parents by following in his dad’s footsteps through serving his country and his mom for the many sacrifices she made during those years to provide their children a loving home. Soon though the Air Force became his second family. Darrell initially joined the Air Force on December 18, 1978, and fully retired on June 30, 2012. He finished his career as a Senior Master Sargeant and Loadmaster Superintendent. He was also extremely proud that so many of his family served and continue to serve as well. His brother, Bruce, who also retired, his late nephew, Tyler, who served until he passed away, and his nephew, Alek, who is currently serving.

While stationed in North Dakota, Darrell decided to further his education, graduating years later with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, while working full-time and raising his children with his wife. Darrell was incredibly proud of both his son and his daughter, and humbled that they gracefully accepted the many moves across the country and to Europe, so that he could continue to serve.

Darrell began his second career with the U.S. Geological Survey Department (USGS) in the Mapping Division in 1999 and also served in the Air Force as a reservist during many of those years. He was grateful to the USGS for the several times that they afforded him the time away from work to deploy with the Air Force. Over his 23 years at the USGS, Darrell changed positions several times, and somehow managed to maintain the friendships he had with his co-workers in all the departments he worked in and even some departments he didn’t. Darrell was a take charge person that helped anyone who needed it quietly and never asked for recognition. These co-workers became his friends, thereby creating Darrell’s third family and were as important to him as those he had served alongside in the Air Force.

Family came first with Darrell. He and his wife, Sandee, were married for 42 years. Their son (John), daughter (Rachael), and three grandchildren (Nick, Noah, and Isabella) were the light and happiness in his life. Darrell rarely missed an opportunity to spend time with each of them. The weekend mornings though, were Darrell’s time to recharge for the coming week. Darrell spent Saturday mornings with their dogs and Sunday mornings riding one of his bicycles. Darrell considered their dogs a valued part of the family. When Darrell’s son-in-law passed and left behind his dog, to help his daughter, he sent his wife to fetch Sadie. She became his constant companion and walking buddy until her passing last month. A few years later, they decided that they wanted a second dog, so Luna was adopted. Luna liked to spend time with Sandee, so Darrell started the search for yet another dog. This led to Kiwi, who adopted him as her “top dog” and master at first sight. In the mornings, Kiwi would greet Darrell with a hello howl and the butt wiggle he loved so much. Every Saturday, Darrell and the three dogs would be gone for hours walking, enjoying the sights, visiting with people they met along the way, and lazing wherever they could find a bench.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Warrior Dog Foundation supporting two of Darrell’s passions: those who served their country and dogs, especially military dogs who he felt earned and deserve the right to live out the remainder of their days with honor, dignity, and loving homes like the ones this foundation finds or provides.

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