Darrell A. Brookins, a longtime resident of Leesburg, passed away on Monday, Oct. 23, 201,7 in Fort Wayne’s Lutheran Hospital after a brief illness. He was 68 years old at the time of his death.

Born on April 13, 1949 in Warsaw, Darrell was the son of Donas and Mary (Bailey) Brookins. He was a 1967 graduate of Milford High School.

Darrell was a sportsman and collector; he enjoyed fishing and hunting and collected everything from cast-iron skillets to Coleman Lanterns. He had worked as shipping and receiving manager for Vitreous Steel for 28 years before founding Brooky’s Roofing.

He was a fan of early NASCAR and loved old cars and everything about them. He spent much of his youth working on cars, a passion which followed him into adulthood. He also enjoyed many annual trips to Florida where he enjoyed the weather and the company of friends.

Although he didn’t know what was to come, Darrell’s life would change forever in the mid-1990’s when he was introduced by a friend to Barbara “Bobbi” Freel. After standing her up twice, the two began dating. From that uneasy beginning blossomed a 21-year friendship and relationship as the pair fell in love.

In addition to Bobbi, who survives Darrell, are his two daughters, Amanda (Jason) Nichols of Leesburg and Lorri Brookins of Montgomery; two step-sons, Korey Green (fiancée, Kari Foster) of Leesburg and Derik (Julie) Green of North Webster; ten grandchildren: Hannah, Ally, Jordan, Jessica, Kaleb, Karson, Kaliope, Adalyn, Daylin and Braylin; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Dennis Brookins of Alexandria, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Brookins and infant sister, Darlene Brookins.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 to 1 p.m. in Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E Sheridan Street, Warsaw. A graveside funeral service will take place in Leesburg Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Animal Welfare League, PO Box 1906, Warsaw, IN 46581-1906. Alternately, gifts may be made to the family in care Titus Funeral Home.