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Obituary for Darold Eugene Condra
Darold Eugene Condra, passed away unexpectedly at home on Aug. 9, 2017, in rural Solano County in Vacaville, California, at the age of 85. Darold was born on Oct. 22, 1931, in Boydsville, Arkansas to Gene and Pauline. He married Edna Frances Saffell in Benton Harbor, Michigan on Oct. 25, 1950. They were married 55 years until the time of her death on Jan. 20, 2006. In 1951, they moved to California where they raised their three daughters. After moving to Richmond, California Darold began working for the Standard Oil Company, which later became Chevron U.S.A Inc. He was proud of his position and responsibilities as a “Wharf Master” on the Richmond Long Wharf. He retired after 33 years of service. In 1948, Darold Joined the Navy. He served aboard the U.S.S. Valley Forge. Captain Harry B. Temple USN took command of the Valley Forge on July 9, 1949 and on Oct. 1, 1949, set forth from San Diego Harbor to act as flagship for “Operation Miki”, the largest amphibious operation in the Pacific since the surrender of Japan. He served as a “Radar Man” and was honorably discharged in 1950. Since the inception of the Vacaville Farmers Market, he was known as “The Watermelon Man”. He loved selling his watermelons and talking to members of the community. Right up until the time of his death Darold was also a skilled and active billiards/pool player. He faithfully participated in two pool leagues, and regularly played twice a week. His “pool buddies” meant a great deal to him. He enjoyed the pool tournaments and always managed to bring a new trophy home. He was witty and could tell the tallest of tales. Nothing made him happier than “pulling the wool” over on somebody. Darold was very social and made many friends throughout his lifetime. At every outing, he always ran into someone he knew. The family would like to thank his friends for their kindness and friendship with our father over the years. Darold is survived by his daughters, Vickie Jones (Rick), Denise Everett (Dennis), Paula Toynbee (James); and brother, Dewayne Batton; he had eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna in 2006. Friends are welcome to attend a visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, at McCune Garden Chapel, 212 Main St., Vacaville, California. A public Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017, also at McCune Garden Chapel. He will be laid to rest at the Vacaville Elmira Cemetary.
