Darrell Lynn Day, Sr., 85, of Owensboro passed away on Thursday January 8th, 2026 at home while under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. He was born on March 23, 1940 in Daviess County to the late Robert Lee and Ruby Idol Day. Darrell accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at a young age. He joined the Army with his high school friends. They served with their wives by their side at Fort Stewart during the Cuban missile crisis. Darrell retired from the Owensboro Police Department and the Daviess County Coroner’s office as a Deputy Coroner. His last employment was as security at the RiverPark Center where he worked alongside his daughter. Covid and Alzheimer’s put an end to his working career at the age of 80. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the American Legion, Kentucky Coroner’s Association, Amateur Radio Club and participated in Civil war Re-enactments.
His deadpan delivery of one-liners for every occasion was legendary. He was admired by many. He did everything the Lord put in front of him with determination and love.
In addition to his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by his brother, Curtis Day.
Survivors include his wife, Sue Nelson Day; children, Darrell “Sonny” Day, Jr.(Kim), Jaynan Day-Wheeler (Brett), Kevin Day, Tammy Montgomery, Jon Mark Bidwell, and Scott Bidwell; grandchildren, Chad Bidwell (Carrie), Nikki Stallings (Stevie), Trevor Day (Alexis), Austin Warren (Stephanie), Tyler Bidwell, Savannah Montgomery, Sydney Montgomery, Gracie Day, Dillon Burns, Dalton Burns, Bobbie Wheeler Corum (Jeremiah) and Hailey McClure (Garrett Whitaker); 12 great-grandchildren; his sister, Robbie Boatwright; niece, Chirsty Hildebrand; as well as several cousins.
There will be no services. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sound Garden (RiverPark Center) on his birthday 3/23/2026 from 5-8 pm. James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of his arrangements.
The family would like to give a special thank you to his cherished caregivers, Jo Barnett and Courtney Lyninger.
Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Hospice of Western Kentucky or to the RiverPark Center children’s programming.