Darrell Carl Egner

Our Father Darrell Carl Egner, 90 peacefully passed away September 1, 2014, in Jacksonville, Florida. Darrell was born in Wausau, Wisconsin on October 2nd, 1923 to Carl Egner of Wisconsin and Minnie Kolateck of Minnesota and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. At the advent of World War II Dad joined the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment in May of 1943. In his life our Dad had innumerable, significant, accomplishments and may have been most fiercely proud of his participation and fellowship with the other 517th Paratroopers. During the war, they accumulated over 150 combat days during five battlefield campaigns in Italy, France, Belgium and Germany. In that time, the 517th went 94 days without relief on the front lines, a record that still stands today. Darrell was awarded many medals, awards, and citations that include the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, among many others. Our Father also stayed very active in the 517th PRCT Organization with the surviving Troopers, and was the 517th PRCT Organization s President for 2 years and was also made the 517th Man of the Year in 2010. In 2011 President Sarkozy of France decreed Darrell a Chevalier (Knight) of the Legion Of Honor which is Frances highest honor for his participation in the liberation of France during World War II. One of Darrell s fondest memories was after he was discharged from the Army on December 20th, 1945, he arrived home to his Mother just in time for Christmas. Later, he received his B.S. in Engineering from the University of Minnesota which then led to a series of jobs. Our Father was an accomplished businessman and an avid pilot. His love of travel took him all over the United States for work from California to New York. He eventually settled in Florida in the 1950 s, by which he ended up in his adopted city of Jacksonville by 1960. Darrell, in his retirement, was very active in various charitable organizations such as professional women s tennis as an Umpire for several years. Darrell was greatly loved and admired by his friends and extended family. As our Father, he was a great teacher, example of virtue, and always very passionate about his children and their children. He will be eternally missed by all of us. He is on his way to Heaven to join his beloved Mother, Sister, and Father. A memorial will be held Monday, September 8, 2014 at 10:00am at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, Florida 32207. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made in Darrell's name to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd. Jacksonville, Florida 32257.