Darrel A. Davis, 72, of Sycamore passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 7, 2022 at Kishwaukee Hospital in Dekalb surrounded by his family.

He was born on February 18, 1950 in Sycamore. He is the son of Arvel "Ozzie" and Carolyn "Tudie" Davis. He was part of a duo package, the ying to his yang; his twin brother Randy Davis.

Survivors include his first wife, and mother of his children, Kathi Hogshead Davis; daughter, Kara Eckhardt (Chris Eckhardt); son, Shane Davis (Kelly Greer); grandsons, Garrison Eckhardt, Owen Davis, Cole Davis, Hudson Greer; granddaughters, Eileen Eckhardt and Autumn Mitchell; brother, Randy (Nellie Kathy) Davis and sisters, Carole Bellamy, Gayle (Allen) Volpp; mother-in-law, Elsie Fisher; 3 Aunts, 2 Uncles; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn "Tudie" Davis; father, Arvel "Ozzie" Davis; stepmother, Velma Thyberg Davis; sister, Sandra Yunek; brothers-in law, Raymond Bellamy and Kenny Yunek and his second wife, Tammie Lynch Davis.

He was retired, but worked at Barber Greene and then Caterpillar. A long time resident of Sycamore, Illinois, he spent his youth running around Lincoln street with his brother Randy and his long time friend Mark Higgins. They were always together and became the 3 musketeers of the street.

He graduated from Sycamore High school in 1968, and was even on the committee for his 25th class reunion.  In his younger years he enjoyed driving around with his brother and friends in his GTO.  He was a very proud GTO owner.

As he got older he enjoyed the bowling league and golfing every week.  Once he had his kids he became involved in Cub scouts.  He was so excited and proud to help his son and cub scouts earn their badges and learn how to create and build. He converted the basement into the Cub Scout den.

Darrel enjoyed camping and fishing with his kids.  He became an avid Archery club member, sharing his love with his two children.  Showing them how to hold a bow and shoot an arrow. Taking trips every year in the camper, cruzin' out west, he spent most of his time behind the camera making sure to not miss out on any important event. Spending so much time outdoors he helped instill a love for nature in both his children.

He became known in the family as the video camera guy. He was rarely seen without his video camera. Everyone knew that whenever there was a family event, such as Christmas, that Darrel would be there with his video camera in tow capturing everyone's bliss from behind the camera. He loved watching and observing people and the camera afforded him the best way to do so.

He became known in the neighborhood for making a 'mean' spudzooka gun and was proud to show it off, he also made the best bubbles, and created super large bubble makers for all the kids in the neighborhood.

Once the grandkids came, he shared his love of fishing with them. Taking them to the Sycamore RV park and teaching them how to catch a good one.  Whenever he saw them he always had a bag of goldfish to give, and thus became "Goldfish Grandpa".  He always had a way with inventive gifts that were both practical and fun at the same time; who could forget the headlamp in case the power goes out, or the talking parrot for when you just needed to talk to someone.

As he got older his love for online slot gaming became a fun, hidden addiction.  He played daily with family and friends. Although Darrel had a standing, weekly meeting time with his siblings, he may be late if he was on a roll in slot-o-mania.  Visiting family was important, but having a roll was rare.

He was a long time sports fan and enjoyed watching the Cubs and Bears play, always hoping for a win, but never surprised when they didn't.

Darrel was always kind, quiet and easy going; observing the world from behind the lens of his camera, zoomed in on everyone's smiles.  Never asking for anything, but willing to give everything to help. He now watches from behind a different lens and will be missed by anyone who knew him.

There will be a visitation on Friday, March 18, 2022 from 4:00 -8:00 pm at Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore. A funeral service will be on Saturday, March 19, 2022 starting at 11:00 am at the funeral home,  immediately followed by a burial at Elmwood Cemetery.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com