Darrell L. Marks

Darrell Lee Marks, age 83 of Nampa, Idaho, passed away on December 5, 2019. Darrell was born in Mountain Home, Idaho, the second child of Leland “Lee” and Beula Marks. He was raised in the Star and five Mile communities of the Treasure Valley. He met the love of his life, Neva Lair, at South Junior High in Boise, Idaho. Darrell and Neva graduated from Boise High School in 1954. That fall they entered Northwest Nazarene College (now Northwest Nazarene University). They were married in September 1955 and Darrell spent the next eight years in educational studies. Darrell earned as BS Degree from NNU in Engineering Physics, a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering and Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a PHD in Radiation Biology from Oregon State University. Three children joined the family during these years: Jay Leon, Kenneth Lee and Shari Le Ann. Later Daniel Lee completed the family. Darrell taught Physics at NNU for 35 years, was Vice President for University Advancement for 4 years, retired and then continued as a volunteer for 15 years in University Advancement seeking scholarship money so students could enroll at NNU and complete their undergraduate degrees.

Darrell was always thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord in a place like NNU, to be involved in the educational and character development of hundreds of young people. He held many leadership positions in Nampa, the State of Idaho, and throughout the Northwest with organizations for the improvement of primary, secondary, and higher science education.

Darrell loved the summer camping and hiking trips with his family and the fall hunting trips he took each year, his travels within and outside of the United States. He was very thankful for Neva, his children, friends, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who made his life very rich.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Beula, and his brothers Earl and Bob. He is survived by his wife, Neva; children (Jay (Julie), Ken, Shari (George), and Dan (Mary); brother Bruce; grandchildren Johnathan, Rachel, George, Montana, Greg; and great-grandchildren Avaya and Theo.

Darrell would be honored by any contribution in his name that would serve to help young men and women further their education. One suggestion would be the Darrell and Neva Engineering Excellence Endowed Scholarship at Northwest Nazarene University, 623 So University Blvd., Nampa, ID 83686 or via their website www.nnu.edu/give. Due to Neva's allergies, the family would appreciate that you refrain from sending fresh floral arrangements to Darrell's service.

The family would like to thank all the very special, caring nurses and doctors at St. Luke’s Nampa ICU who cared for Darrell with such gentle, compassionate spirits. Special thought also to Tara and Jessica, Darrell’s home health caregivers, who became part of his family in the weeks prior to his hospitalization.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Darrell’s memorial webpage at www.nampafuneralhome.com

A Celebration Gathering will be held in the Atrium at the College Church of the Nazarene, 504 E. Dewey Ave. on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019  from 1- 3 PM. Services are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So. – 208-442-8171.

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