Darrell Francis aka "Lucky" Guerin, 71, formerly of South Whitley, died at 1:11 a.m. Sunday, December 27, 2020, at his home.

He was born April 20, 1949, in Bismarck, ND, a son of the late Francis Martin and Blanche (Bailey) Guerin. Growing up in South Whitley, he attended South Whitley School.

Joining the U.S. Army in April of 1969, he was honorably discharged in June of 1972.

For over 40 years, he was a self-employed long-haul truck driver. He then worked for Tim Moyer, South Whitley, as a local truck driver and heavy equipment operator.

After retiring, he moved to Monroeville in early 2013. He was a former member of the South Whitley Church of God.

A loyal Harley-Davidson fan, he enjoyed every opportunity to ride his bike. Partial to his dogs, he liked both small and large breeds, leaving behind his beloved, Muffin, Hank, Midnight, Shylo, Snickers, Mia, Diesel, and Annabelle. Enjoying a good laugh, he is remembered for his ornery antics and quick-witted comebacks. Prideful of his children and grandchildren he cherished the time spent with them, and they came to respect his vast knowledge.

Surviving is his companion of 23 years, Jenny Johnson; children, James Howard of Spartanburg, SC, Kandi Guerin of Kokomo, Darrell Ray Guerin of South Whitley, Stacey Hale of Fort Wayne; and Gina Guerin of Arizona; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sheila (Rod) Shepherd of Roann, Phyllis Vigor of Roann, Debra (Henry) Born of South Whitley, Teresa (Jim) Galloway of KY and a brother, Keith (Mary) Guerin of Massey.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Edith Guerin, and brothers, Wayne and Martin Guerin; a sister, Sharon "Sherrie" Schearer and her husband, Doug Schearer.

The funeral service is 2 p.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery with the Whitley County Korean War Honor Guard presenting honors. Visitation is from noon until the service Thursday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Veterans National Memorial and Museum, Fort Wayne.

This service will be live streamed on our Facebook page.