Info Sheet - Darrell Virgil Leland
Died 18 March 2013
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Obituary
Darrell Virgil Leland, 67, of Rose Hill, VA, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2013 at Holston Valley Hospital. He was born in Wise, VA on August 4, 1945 to the late Charles Leland and Odith Baker Leland Bevins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-brother, Ronnie Bevins.
Darrell was a Vietnam Veteran having served in the U.S. Army where he received a Purple Heart. Following his time in the Army, he served in the Indiana Army National Guard for 20 years. He had retired from General Motors in Indiana. He loved fishing, hunting, and most of all, the Lord.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 18 years, Brenda England Leland; daughter, Dawn Kaneshige of Gilbert, AZ; son, Derk Leland and wife Toby of Anderson, IN; and four grandchildren, Kevin Kaneshige, Logan Leland, Bryan Leland and Justin Leland.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2013 at Robinette Funeral Home in Rose Hill. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 26, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Charles H. Long and Rev. Justin Helton officiating. The committal service and interment will follow in the Jones Cemetery in Ewing with military honors presented by the Wise County Veteran’s Organization and the Gate City Honors Team.
Phillip M. Freeman - July 24 at 10:30 AM: I would like to express my condolence to the Family. Darrell was a close neighbor of our's growing up on Dotson Creek. I think of him often especially when I am reminded of Vietnam which was a long way from Wise, Va. I think of one day seeing a helicopter land near our unit and who would soon appear, none other than Darrell LeLand. That was a pleasant surprise and a nice visit. May you rest in peace.
Until we meet again, Morris Freeman, Middleburg, FL
James (Mike) Vaughn: D Troop, 3/4 Cav Nov 1966-67
Brenda…I’m so sorry for your loss. You & the rest of Darrell’s family are in our prayers.
Darrell was not simply a good friend…he was more like a brother. We went through helicopter crew chief training together at Ft. Rucker, AL, we served with the elite unit D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division, Cu Chi Vietnam, we then came back to the states together & went to Ft. Carson, CO.
It’s so hard to believe that he’s gone. I’ll always cherish the time we spent together at the last 4th Cavalry reunion. Darrell really enjoyed himself. It was kind of like being with that 20 year old kid I served with in Nam. Darrell never met a stranger & could spin tales with the best of them. I don’t remember ever seeing Darrell mad or upset…it was a joy to serve at the side of Darrell. During our Vietnam service, we experienced sad times, hard times, frightening times. However, having men like Darrell to depend on always made things much easier. We also enjoyed a lots of good times together…memories that will last a lifetime.
For those who knew Darrell…you can understand what I’m trying to say. For those that never had to opportunity to know Darrell…I’m sorry for your lost opportunity.
Darrell, I salute you & your memory. Rest in peace my brother.
Thomas Fleming - July 24 at 07:51 AM:
I was his platoon leader and unit maintenance officer A's well as his commander when he served in Vietnam with D Troop (Air), 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavelry, 25th Infantyr Division and flew in his helicopter often. He wss one of our outstanding soldiers. Over the years we have kept in contact and I am proud to say I served with him and could call him a friend.