DARRELL “DW” WILLIAM THOMPSON, 79, of Follansbee, WV, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026 at WVU Medicine – Weirton Medical Center. Darrell was born on August 22, 1946 in Steubenville, OH. He was the son of the late Carl William Thompson and Mary Louise (Kell) Thompson. Upon graduating from high school, Darrell proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Lance Corporal and was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Though he never served on the front lines, Darrell faithfully served as an electrician with the 3rd Engineering Battalion, keeping the power on for the camps and the men who depended on them. After returning home, Darrell dedicated many years of hard work to Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation, where he worked in several departments at the Mingo Plant before retirement. He was respected for his strong work ethic and willingness to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Darrell found his greatest joy in the simple things in life. He had a deep love for carpentry, nature, and wildlife, and he especially enjoyed riding his trail bike along the Panhandle Trail. Music and the love of his pets filled his heart, and some of his happiest moments were spent relaxing on his back deck, quietly taking in the beauty of God’s creation around him. Above all, Darrell will be remembered as a fun, kind, and gentle soul whose quiet faith could be seen in the way he lived his life and treated others. He leaves behind cherished memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Darrell is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Gloria (Ellis) Thompson; two sisters, Susan Thompson-Schockow and Pamela Westlake and her companion, Lloyd Miller; a sister-in-law, Joyce McCallister and her husband, Steve; three nephews: Matthew Westlake and his wife, Kayla, Evan Jackson and his wife, Kelsie and Shawn Jackson and his wife, Lyndsay; and seven great nieces and great nephews. A private viewing and funeral service was held at the James Funeral Home, Follansbee, with a private burial at Union Cemetery, Steubenville, OH with Military Honors by the United States Marine Corps. The family would ike to give a special thank you to Dr. Christopher Cowher, Dr. P. Murty, and Dr. John Cherian for their compassionate care. The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to Brightwood Center for the skilled care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Darrell’s memory to the Table Church, 1000 Crossroads Drive, Oakdale, PA 15071 or a charity of your choice. Condolences, photos and stories may be viewed or added at www.chambersandjames.com.