Darrel Eugene Ormes

BESSEMER, Mich. - Darrel Eugene Ormes, 69, of Jesup, Ga., passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2016, in Bessemer.

He was born Jan. 18, 1947, in Bessemer Township, the son of the late Darrel Guy and Grace Ann (Fielding) Ormes.

Darrel, who was known as "Gene" to family and friends, graduated from Marenisco High School in 1965. He attended Gogebic Community College in the fall of 1965 before entering the U.S. Army in 1966. He was a decorated Vietnam War veteran ('68-'69) being awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star.

On Aug. 22, 1970, he married Betty L. Butler in New Paris, Ind.

Darrel retired from the U.S. Army in 1990 after being stationed in several places in the U.S. and around the world, including three years with the Old Guard in Washington D.C., one year in Turkey, and three years in Germany. After his retirement, he was employed by the Press Sentinel Newspaper in Jesup, while completing his teacher certification at Georgia Southern University. Upon completion of his certification, he was employed at Brantley County Middle School, where he taught eighth-grade Georgia History. He would always introduce himself as a "Yankee" teaching Georgia history. He taught not only history, but responsibility and respect for his beloved country until his medical retirement in 2006.

Darrel enjoyed camping, fishing and the Green Bay Packers and occasionally cheered for the Atlanta Braves. He and Betty returned for four months during the summer for the last seven years to his beloved U.P. of Michigan. He was most proud of reuniting many of his 82nd Airborne Vietnam Brothers who fought with him in Vietnam. He was active in the Golden Brigade Organization and also supported the Animal Refuge Foundation of Wayne County, Georgia.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betty; his sons, Jason (Elizabeth) Ormes, of Plainfield, Ill., and Jeremiah (Laura) Ormes, of Yorkshire, England; his grandchildren, Isabella, Kenneth, Hudson and Fiona; his sister, Penny (Phil) Price, of Altoona, Fla .; brothers, David (Karen) Ormes, of Chesapeake, Va., Donald (Lynn) Ormes, of Bessemer, Dennis Ormes, of Atlanta, Daniel (Alice) Ormes, of Stevens Point, Wis .; and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his much loved beagles, Shadow and Elliot.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7, at Rinehart Funeral Home in Jesup.

The Range Funeral Service and Crematory of Bessemer, and the Rinehart Funeral Home in Jesup, are assisting the family with arrangements. To view this obituary on line, visit us at rangefuneralservices.com.