March 10, 1940 - March 31, 2013

ELKHART — Darrell Dean Nifong, 73, of Elkhart, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital after a brief illness.

He was born March 10, 1940, in Elkhart to Ralph V. and Elnora M. (Pawling) Nifong. On Dec. 27, 1958, he married his loving wife of 54 years, Judith A. (Kirkwood) Nifong.

In addition to his wife and father, other survivors include a son, Timothy Dean Nifong of Elkhart; two daughters, Tammy Holobyn and Trudy (Tracy) Nifong-Bowser, both of Elkhart; two granddaughters, Holly Holobyn of Tampa, Fla., and Mandi Bowser of Elkhart; and a grandson, Joseph Holobyn III of Elkhart.

He was preceded in death by his mother; two brothers, Colin and Toby Nifong; and a sister, Rita Nifong.

Darrell proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 until 1961 and was stationed in Twentynine Palms, Calif. He later was employed with CTS for more than 43 years prior to his retirement. He and his wife were co-chairman of Elkhart County Special Olympics for 14 years. Darrell was awarded the first Parent of the Year for the state of Indiana for Special Olympics in 1986. Darrell was also nominated for Caretaker of the Year in 2012 from Elkhart County Real Services.

Darrell loved spending vacations at Madeira Beach, Fla., and will be remembered as being an inspiration to many people.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and one hour prior to the noon funeral service Thursday, April 4, 2013, at Billings Funeral Home. Pastor Gary Sheets will officiate. Interment will follow at Little Pine Cemetery and graveside military honors will be provided by the U.S. Marine Corps and DAV Chapter 19 funeral honor guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

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