Darrel King, age 61, passed away peacefully at his home in Champaign on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 after a 14 year struggle against Parkinsons Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. He managed his diagnosis with humor, laughter, and helping other people feel cared for.

Darrel was born January 27, 1963 to his parents Marion and Mary King Thompson in Urbana, Illinois, both of whom are deceased. He is survived by his wife Lora Mock, his three children Elijah King of Switzerland, Hannah King of Chicago, Alenah King of Westminster, CA, and his brother Richard (Sharon) King of Savoy.

Darrel graduated in 1981 from Urbana High School, where his love of sports blossomed. He enjoyed any sport he could do with his family and friends and for several years before his death he even embraced boxing in his wife’s Parkinson specific gym as a way to slow the progression of his disease.

After moving to Lynden, Washington he graduated with a B.A. in Culture and Christianity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) in 1993 in Vancouver, Canada. He served the Lord through Bible Study Fellowship, his churches, leading worship services in local nursing homes with his family, his involvement with the local Parkinsons Support Group, and his love for everyone he met. He and Lora became members of Bible Baptist Church in Champaign prior to their marriage May 6, 2017, but he always kept his love for the people of Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church in Urbana. His life desire to be a blessing to others continues through his physical gifts to Washington University in St. Louis and the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois.

His Celebration of Life service is planned for Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11:00 am at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 600 E. Pennsylvania Ave in Urbana, Illinois. Visitation will be held 9:30-11:00 am and the service at 11:00.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Renner-Wikoff Chapel at 1900 Philo Road, Urbana, Illinois 61802 or directly to the Illinois Chapter of the American Parkinsons Disease Association, PO Box 814, River Grove, Illinois 60171; Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church at 600 E. Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, Illinois 61801; or in his name to the charity/institutions of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com