Darrell

Asbell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darrell Asbell:

Darrell Lee Asbell, 73, passed away peacefully, following a 13-month battle with lung cancer, at his home surrounded by his family and in the loving arms of his wife.

Darrell was born the middle child of three to Marion P. Asbell and William R. Asbell in Riverton, Wyoming. He grew up with his older brother Russ and his younger sister Vonnie. They spent time on the road while their father ran a construction company and later at the family home in Riverton. His parents divorced when he was 5, his father remarried and had his half-brothers Shawn and Tracy.

He went to middle school in Riverton, then was sent to military school. He attended Shattuck-St. Mary's and later Kemper Military school, where he graduated with honors. He began at the University of Wyoming studying engineering and later graduated with a degree in business.

He met the love of his life, Sue, at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. After a two-year courtship they married in 1979. They adopted their five children over the next several years.

In 1991, Sue moved to Washington for graduate school, leaving Darrell to care for the children himself. It was known as "The Year of Dad." Somehow, they survived that year, and when mom graduated in 1994 the happy family was reunited. In addition to raising their five children, he and his wife helped raise their nephew Phil and 168 other foster kids, many of whom have come back to visit as adults.

They celebrated 50 years together as a couple and 47 years of marriage this year. During their half century together, they enjoyed the great outdoors, hiking, and camping around Montana and Wyoming. They also spent countless hours exploring the country from the Grand Canyon to Washington D.C. and finally taking a dream cruise to Alaska. When not embarking on their annual adventures, they would be watching movies, sports, and wrangling horses, dogs, cats, and children, known as their Thundering Herd.

Darrell enjoyed exhilarating fair rides, creative cooking, and was a voracious reader. The only thing he may have enjoyed more than taking in a story was to tell one. He regaled anyone in earshot with tales of his life and family; a master storyteller by all accounts and well loved by those lucky enough to enjoy a conversation with him.

He worked in many different jobs throughout his life including management, bartending, film projectionist, oil field worker, gas pump jockey, computer technician, and jack-of-all trades. But will be remembered best as a loving husband, father, and forever to his friends as two little boys.

Preceded in death by:
Mother Marion, paternal grandparents Margie and Bill Asbell, and maternal grandparents Hugh and Mamie Day.

Survived by:
Wife Susan W. Asbell, children Tirza (Dave), Nathanial, Katrina (Katie), Devin, Taylor. Siblings Russ (Penny), Vonnie (Fred), Shawn (Amy), Tracy (Laura), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Service Details:
A memorial service will be held on Saturday November the 14th, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church 119 North 33rd. Street. Billings MT 59101.

Memorial Donations:
In Darrell Lee's honor, the family encourages friends to spend time with loved ones, share a meal, or help someone in need.

Acknowledgements/Arrangements:
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of RiverStone Hospice, Billings Clinic especially Dr. Gerstner, Dr. Kidd, and Dr. Goulet for their compassionate care.

Arrangements are entrusted to Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary.

The family thanks relatives, friends, neighbors, and the church for their support during this difficult time.