With an unmatched passion for tractors and a heart full of laughter, Darrell E Hazelbaker left an enduring legacy of resilience, dedication, wit, and humor in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Born on July 5, 1938, in Muncie, Delaware County, IN, USA,
Darrell spent his formative years immersed in the hard work and simple pleasures of farming and milking cattle. His dedication to his work was evident in every endeavor he undertook, from his years of dedicated service at the Delaware County Highway to the countless school bus routes he navigated with a smile. He was a familiar and beloved figure to generations of schoolchildren, and his funny anecdotes and witty remarks brightened their mornings and afternoons. For Darrell, there was nothing more soothing than the hum of a tractor engine or the sight of a well-plowed field. He was a dedicated member of the Randolph County Antique Tractor Club and a regular at the Tri-County Engine and Tractor Show. His love for tractors was infectious and brought joy to all around him. He was known for his resilience, weathering life's storms with a smile and a joke, embodying the saying, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs.
He retired in 1993, but his love for tractors remained undiminished, and he devoted his retirement years to exploring and celebrating this lifelong passion.
Darrell leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory, including his daughter, Janet McIntosh; his sons, Doug (Nita) Hazelbaker and Brian (Angie) Hazelbaker; his brother, David (Joyce) Hazelbaker; his sister, Mary Lindsey; his special companion and best friend, Dollie Wise; ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Elizabeth Hazelbaker; his son, Todd; and his grandsons, Anthony Hazelbaker and Sandy Hazelbaker; his great-grandson, Mason Manship; and his brother-in-law, Clinton Lindsey.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 11:00amEDT at the Wilson-Shook Funeral Homes And Cremation Center (Thornburg Memorial Chapel), located at 2048 North 1000 West, Parker City, Indiana, 47368. A Celebration of Life will follow on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 1:00pmEDT at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Randolph County Antique Tractor Club, PO Box 213, Winchester, IN 47394. In the enduring spirit of Darrell's life, we invite you to share your precious memories and upload photos of Darrell to his memorial page, celebrating his life and the joy he brought into ours at www.wilsonshookfh.com.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Darrell E Hazelbaker, please visit our floral store.