Darrell "Poncho" L. Velasquez Sr., age 70, of Bluffton, passed away Monday evening, Dec. 19, 2022, at his residence.

Darrell was born in Marion on Mar. 19, 1952.  He was preceded in death by his father, Maurilio "Johnny" Velasquez, and his mother, Anna (Watkins) Hardin.

Darrell served stateside in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, from 1972 until 1974, stationed in Norfolk, VA.  He worked at Simpson Industries (which later became Metaldyne, LLC) in Bluffton for almost 30 years.  In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and golfing, but most of all, he loved to fish.

Survivors include two sons, Darrell Velasquez Jr. of Warsaw, and Shawn (Missy) Velasquez of Bluffton; a daughter, Karie Velasquez of Bluffton; his step-mother, Helen Velasquez of Bluffton; two sisters, Sharon Stone of Berne and Diane (Paul) Hopkins of North Webster; a brother, Dale Velasquez of Oklahoma; a half-sister, Kathy White of Montpelier; six grandchildren, Jeffrey, Nathan, and Leah Velasquez, Myles Velasquez, and Layne and Kale Seslar; along with one great-grandson, Nikolai Riley.

In addition to his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by two half-brothers, Greg and Bruce Velasquez, along with his step-father, Milton Hardin.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, from 4:00 until 6:00 PM, at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton followed by a memorial service at 6:00 PM.  Steve Sutton will officiate.  Military rites will immediately follow, provided by the American Legion Post 111, in conjunction with the United States Army honor guard.  Private family burial will be at Brookside Memorial Park in Montpelier at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 111 in Bluffton.