He loved deeply, laughed loudly, served proudly, and made life a whole lot less boring.
Obituary
DDarrel Wayne “Fish” Poe was born on May 30, 1951, in Oakland, California. At a very young age, he moved with his parents, Donald C. Poe and Kathleen Cooney Poe, to Redlands, California, where he was raised and spent much of his life.
Darrel passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2026, at the age of 75.
Although many knew him as “Fish,” he preferred simply to be called Darrel. He was truly one of a kind—a man whose quick wit, unforgettable sense of humor, and larger-than-life personality made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Beneath his humor was a man of great integrity, strength, and kindness. He was loyal to those he loved, stood firmly in what he believed, and always remained true to himself.
His nickname, “Fish,” reflected one of the greatest passions of his life. Darrel was a longtime surf fisherman who treasured the summers he spent with his family at Carlsbad State Beach. Those days by the ocean became a beloved family tradition filled with fishing, laughter, stories, and memories that will be carried forward for generations.
Darrel proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Midway. His military service shaped him deeply, and throughout his life, he maintained a profound love for the military, his fellow veterans, and his country. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge and the American Legion.
One of the greatest loves of Darrel’s life was his wife, Dinah Martha Macias Poe. She was his best friend, his greatest encourager, and the person who continually pushed him beyond his comfort zone. Feisty, vibrant, and full of life, energy, and laughter, Dinah brought joy and adventure into his world in a way no one else could. When she developed a terminal illness, Darrel never left her side. He remained devoted to her through every difficult moment, caring for her with unwavering love and loyalty. Her passing left a profound emptiness in his life, and he continued to grieve and miss her deeply until the day he passed.
Above all, Darrel was deeply devoted to his family. He shared an especially close and enduring bond with his daughter, Jennifer Poe McDaniel, who held a treasured and irreplaceable place in his heart. Their relationship extended far beyond that of a father and daughter—they were confidants, protectors, and a constant source of strength for one another. Their bond was built on unconditional love, loyalty, laughter, honest conversations, and the comfort of knowing they could always depend on each other.
Darrel was preceded in death by his father, Donald C. Poe; his mother, Kathleen Cooney Poe; his stepmother, Kathy Poe; his beloved wife, Dinah Martha Macias Poe; and his brothers, Michael Poe and David Poe.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Poe McDaniel, and her husband, David; his stepdaughter Melissa Hernandez and her husband, Robert; and his stepson Jeffrey Beaudion and his wife, Michelle.
Darrel is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Chelsea Cannon and her husband, Josh; Marissa Weis; Amanda Weis; Jonathan Weis and his wife, Patricia; Eric Torres and his wife, Kristen; Sarea McDaniel; and Jaydon McDaniel. He is also survived by his great-granddaughter, Ella, and was joyfully awaiting the arrival of another great-granddaughter through Jonathan and Patricia.
Darrel shared an incredibly close and loving bond with his grandchildren. They brought tremendous pride, happiness, and laughter into his life, and he treasured the time they spent together. His humor was often a little inappropriate, always unforgettable, and one of the many things they loved most about him. They were proud to show him off to their friends because they knew there was truly no one as funny, genuine, or as cool as he was. To them, he was more than a grandfather. He was a constant source of love, strength, humor, guidance, and support. He also stepped in as a father figure to many, offering the kind of steady presence, protection, and encouragement that left a lasting mark on their lives. They loved him deeply, and the bond they shared with him was truly one of a kind. His stories, laughter, advice, and unmistakable presence will remain with them throughout their lives.
Darrel is further survived by his sisters, Donna Hoechlin, her partner Mark Walker; Jeri-Ann Smith her husband, Dan; Dana Spillane; and Karen Poe-Buyak, along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
After the passing of his brother, Mike, Darrel remained a close and steady source of strength for his brother’s children and their families. He shared a special bond with Emily Ryan, her husband, John, and their children, Mariana, Cecilia, and Johnny III, as well as Sarah Bazan, her husband, Osvaldo, and their daughter, Avery. His love, support, and continued presence in their lives reflected the deep importance he placed on family.
Darrel’s sudden departure leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. While he can never be replaced, the stories he told, the laughter he brought, the strength he carried, and the love he gave will continue to live on through his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father and family man, a proud Vietnam veteran, a passionate fisherman, a loyal friend, and a truly unforgettable soul.
Rest peacefully, Darrel. You were deeply loved, you will be profoundly missed, and you will never be forgotten.
Burial
AA private graveside burial will be held for close family and friends as we lay Darrel Wayne “Fish” Poe to rest with love, honor, and gratitude.
This intimate gathering is reserved for those closest to Darrel and will offer a quiet time to say goodbye, reflect on the life he shared with us, and honor his service to our country.
Because space is limited and the burial is intended to remain private, attendance is by invitation only. We deeply appreciate everyone’s understanding, love, and support during this difficult time.
Gallery
Memory wall
Whether you knew Darrel for a lifetime or only for a season, we would be grateful to hear how he touched your life. Your stories and messages will help us preserve the many memories, relationships, and moments that made his life so meaningful—and keep a piece of him close for years to come.
Family tree
Favorites
Service
Darrel lived with strength, integrity, humor, and a deep love for his family, his country, and the ocean. Whether he was surf fishing at Carlsbad State Beach, telling a story that somehow got more inappropriate every time he repeated it, or offering the steady love and support so many people depended on, he left a lasting impression everywhere he went.
This celebration will be a time to remember the laughter he brought, the love he gave, the lives he shaped, and the memories that will continue to carry his spirit forward. Family and friends are invited to come together, share stories, honor his service, and celebrate a truly unforgettable man.
Please bring your favorite memory of Darrel—and do not worry if it is slightly inappropriate. He would probably be disappointed if it wasn't.
663 New York St, Redlands, CA 92374
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