Daryl Ferree

Daryl Edgar Ferree

Daryl Edgar Ferree, the father, grandfather, husband and friend with the world's biggest and best laugh, passed away April 24 at home at the age of 80, peacefully in his sleep.

His daughter Traci Watson, son-in-law Anthony, grandson Wade and son Trent Ferree grieve with his lifelong best friend Jesse McMahan and his bonus family that includes wife Royce Kardinal, brother-in-law Randy Coxwell, daughters, Kim (Pat) Lewis, and Kelsea (Chris) Patton, Kristan Kardinal (deceased) granddaughters Addison and Emily, grandson Andrew who all lovingly referred to him as Papa Dos.

Daryl joins his beloved Donna Jean (nee Spear), who passed away in 2013 after 44 years of marriage. In 1991, he and Donna chose the Arizona sunshine over the Sunflower State, joining Jesse and his late wife Connie and their family in Phoenix. The best friends spent countless hours restoring their 1950 Shoebox Ford while listening to good (read: old) music.

With a degree from Kansas' Fort Hayes State University and a successful career as a medical technologist, Daryl never stopped building, engineering and creating, even after he retired early at age 62. He could create anything he put his mind to, loved woodworking and had a workshop that even the best wrenchers and craftsmen envied.

Daryl and Royce began their decade of adventures after both losing their first loves. They considered themselves twice blessed and fate clearly planned to unite these families - in a city of 5 million people, Daryl and Royce's daughters, coincidentally, lived with their families on the same block in Phoenix.

After they married on April 28, 2015 at the Chapel in the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Daryl joined Royce in Wickenburg and quickly became an official local - jeeping in the desert, buddying around with his pal Randy, and volunteering at the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce. When Daryl and Royce weren't traveling the world, they could be found on a back porch entertaining friends and telling stories.

Given Daryl's limitless generosity and love, it's no surprise that Traci's favorite memory of her dad was witnessing his love for Wade when Daryl held him for the first time.

And considering Daryl's boundless wit and mischievous humor, it also makes perfect sense Daryl passed away during a week he and Royce planned to be on a cruise in Alaska. His family can only assume he caught up with the ship and is currently at the casino.

Bon voyage Daryl.

The families joined in a private ceremony to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce.