Darrell Krause Obituary

Darrell D. Krause, 67, passed away in Ft. Mohave, AZ on December 28, 2006. He was born February 17, 1939 in Yakima, WA, but spent most of his adult life in Vancouver, WA. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy and after four years received an honorable discharge. He was proud to share that during his tour of duty he served on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lexington. When he returned home from the service, he had various jobs, including operating a crane for various companies in Portland, OR. In 1970, he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff by the Clark County Sheriff's Office in Vancouver, WA. His wife, Sharon, was the first female hired as a Deputy by Clark County and joined him at the Sheriff's Office in 1975. Darrell had to retire in 1981 after he suffered his first massive heart attack. When he began working again, he drove a school bus for Evergreen School District for a short time. He was then hired to manage the Vancouver Yacht Cub and subsequently became a member. In 1987 he was installed as their Commodore. He loved his boat, "E-Z Livin", loved boating, the river, fishing and developed many lasting friendships during those years. He and his wife began taking their RV south for the winter in 1996, where Darrell grew to love the desert and desert landscape. In 2003, they became permanent residents of Arizona. He loved his house, the warm weather and most of all his pool. Since his first heart attack in 1981, Darrell continued to struggle with heart disease and succumbed to it on the evening of December 28th when he suffered a third heart attack. Darrell loved life and any one who knew him would tell you he lived it his way. Darrell is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 32 years, Sharon; one son, Alan Krause, in Washington State. Two stepsons and their children: Christopher Sellman of Las Vegas, NV and his three daughters, Heather, Tiffanie and Melanie; and Mark Sellman of Vancouver, WA and his son, Andre. He is also survived by his brothers, Ronald Krause and his wife, Deanna, of Ocean Park, WA, Vern Krause and his wife, Shirley, of Vancouver, WA, Richard Krause of Battleground, WA, and Bernard Krause of Vancouver; a sister, Marlene Norcross of Vancouver, WA; and a great-granddaughter and many nieces, nephews and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth Krause, of Vancouver, WA and a sister, Betty Stanke of Portland, OR. At his request, disposition will be by cremation and no services will be held until a later date, when his life will be celebrated with his family and many friends who also loved him and will miss him very much.