Darrell G. Mays , 79, of Owatonna, died Friday, July 15, 2016 at Koda Living Community. He was born February 8, 1937 in St. James, Minnesota, the son of Claude and Anna (Burnham) Mays. He grew up in St. James where he graduated from high school in 1955. He farmed with his father for a few years before enlisting in the United States Marine Corp on January 8, 1958. He completed his active duty on January 6, 1961 and his reserve duty on January 7, 1964. After his active military duty, he enrolled in Mankato State University for a couple of years. He was united in marriage to Rosalita Johnson on August 25, 1962, and the couple had two children, Robin and Tamra, and later divorced. He then married Lenore Hand on September 28, 1985, and the couple made their home in Owatonna. Darrell's work career included time as an insurance adjuster and 29 years at Owatonna Tool Company. He retired in 1996. His greatest joy was becoming a grandfather. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family, often times making them homemade ice cream. He also enjoyed high school sporting events and attended many wrestling matches. He was the first recipient of the Dick Black Fan of the Year Award. He is survived by his wife Lenore Mays of Owatonna; children, Robin (Eve) Mays of Oceanside, CA and Tamra (James) Wheeler of Owatonna; step-children, Deborah (Harry) Beadell of Tucson, AZ and Christopher Hand of Owatonna; grandchildren, Dana Mays, Matthew Wheeler, Anna Mays, and Allison Wheeler and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude & Anna and his brothers, Kenneth, Richard and Robert Mays A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna with visitation one hour prior to the service. Inurnment with military honors will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at 12:45pm on Thursday, July 21, 2016, Assembly Lane #4. Visitation: 07/21/2016 09:00 07/21/2016 10:00 Service: 07/21/2016 10:00