Paul Darrah

Paul Darrah, age 79, of Colorado Springs, passed away on November 13, 2024. He was born on September 6, 1945, in Corydon, Iowa, to Carl and Margaret (Kinser) Darrah. Paul was the youngest of six children and was raised by his single mother.  

After high school, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served proudly during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and also volunteered for a temporary duty assignment in Guam. Paul was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1967. 

That same year, Paul married Edie Foote on June 4, 1967. Together, they had two children, Dena (David) Boyd and David Darrah. Paul was a devoted father and a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren, as well as a proud great-grandfather to three. 

Over the course of his career, Paul contributed to several landmark projects, including working on the Eisenhower Tunnel through the Rocky Mountains, the water supply tunnel under Lake Mead, and the expansions of both NORAD and the Martin Drake Power Plant in Colorado Springs. He also spent many years as a heavy equipment operator at Transit Mix, a concrete company, and later at Fort Carson Army Post. Paul’s work ethic and dedication were a testament to his commitment to both his craft and his country. 

In 2005, Paul and Edie realized a lifelong dream when they purchased Bighorn RV Park in Coaldale, CO. Nestled between the Arkansas River and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the campground became a gathering place for family and friends, where many cherished memories were made. After selling the park, Paul and Edie returned to Colorado Springs, where they spent more time with their growing family and continued to enjoy life to the fullest. 

Paul had many passions in life, but perhaps none more than woodworking. Whether building furniture or crafting special items for his family, Paul found peace and fulfillment in working with his hands. His love for the outdoors and his meticulous attention to detail were reflected in everything he touched. He was known for his sense of humor, generosity, and quiet strength.  

Every winter, Paul and Edie would travel to Arizona, where they spent their time among a close-knit group of winter friends, enjoying the desert landscape, square dancing, and jeeping in the Sonora Desert.  

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Edie Darrah; their children, Dena (David) Boyd and David Darrah; grandchildren, Ryan (Jadee) McCue, Abigail Boyd, Ian Boyd, Yvonne (Adam) Cordoba, Aleah Cordoba, Lydia Darrah-Isabel, and Logan Darrah; great-grandchildren, Riley, Sophia, and Maci; and his sister, Nancy Martinez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Margaret Darrah; brothers Jerry, William, and Ronald Darrah; and sister Darla Ann Nickle. 

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