Darrell L. Sy

Darrell Lee Sy, 71, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, departed this life and walked through the doorway to eternity at home on Saturday, October 2, 2021. He was born in Tuscola, IL at Jarman Hospital on March 8, 1950, to Wilbert and Mildred, nee Krukewitt, Sy, the youngest of their three children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lowell; a sister, Janice; and his father-in law and mother-in law, Donald and Rita Sutphin.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Teri Lynne (Sutphin) Sy, who he married on May 14, 1978. He is also survived  by his children, a daughter, Andrea (Todd) Parker, and a son, Ryan (Kathryn) Sy; two grandsons, Wm. Samuel Boner and Brody Sy; three nephews and several cousins.

Darrell graduated from Newman High School in 1968. From there, he attended Eastern Illinois University to earn three degrees in education. He served as an educator for 35 years, as an elementary grade level teacher, library/media specialist, driver education instructor, K-12 building principal, and school superintendent. His last, and favorite  public school position was being the superintendent of schools for Pontiac-Wm. Holliday School District #105, Fairview Heights, IL, where he served for the last 13 years of his career ( 1994-2007).

After retirement from public education in 2007, he worked for Lindenwood University ( Belleville Campus), as an instructor teaching school law and as a student teaching supervisor. He also taught briefly for McKendree College as a school finance instructor. He served in a six-month interim superintendent’s position for Harmony-Emge School District #175, Belleville, IL. His favorite retirement job was teaching 15- & 16-year-olds how to drive safely, as a “behind-the wheel” instructor for a private driving school. He loved working with and teaching those students, who he always considered “his kids.”

During his working and retirement years, he volunteered on weekends in the Pastoral Care Department at Belleville Memorial Hospital. His views on the “next life” can be summed up in the following poem.

One sweetly solemn thought comes to me o’er and o’er: Nearer my home today am I than e’er been before.

Nearer my Father’s house, where many mansions be,

Where many loved one gone before, mine eyes at last shall see.

Tears are the “words of love” that our mouth cannot express. (“Jesus wept.” John 11:35)

One of his missions in life was to hopefully provide comfort to those who had lost loved ones, especially parents who had lost a child. He did this by sending a letter of condolence, along with a laminated obituary, a St. Francis of Assisi prayer card, and information on how to contact a local chapter of The Compassionate Friends, a national support group that ministers to parents who have lost a child. His mother lost her 16-year-old son, Lowell, in a motor scooter/automobile accident back in 1953. He always wished that she had been able to access a support group after his death, but she didn’t have that opportunity.

Per his wishes, Darrell’s remains will be cremated and saved to be buried at a later date with his wife’s.  Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made per the donor’s choice, BUT here are a few that you might want to consider: Shriner’s Hospital for Children in St. Louis, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation, St. Louis Food Bank, Meals on Wheels America, Feed America, The Health Wagon, Beverly Farms, Joshua’s Great Things Foundation, and the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition.

P.S. The obituary picture was a ploy to get you to read his obituary. It was his idea, not his family’s. He has never been arrested – that we know of.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, October 15, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL. 

A Memorial service will be held 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2021,  at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL with Rev. Gary Beyers officiating.  

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