Darrell Allen Milstead Sr. passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, at the age of 84.
Darrell was born September 10, 1941, in Zanesville, Ohio, to Francis Louis Milstead and Nelda Bernice McCandless.
After high school, Darrell served in the United States Navy and then transferred to the United States Air Force until 1966. After his service, Darrell returned to Ohio. He and his family relocated from Ohio to Florida in 1980. He had a long career as the owner of Thrifty Auto Insurance in Port Charlotte, Florida. He settled in Riverview in 2005, where he worked as a property manager at Vanguard Management Group for ten years before retiring.
He enjoyed camping, fishing, and a good game of golf with his friends. He embraced the scenic route in life, reminding us to take one day at a time. His strength, wisdom, and love for his family and friends will forever live in the hearts of those who were blessed to have known him.
Darrell, a cherished husband and father of four children, grandfather of ten, and great-grandfather of eight, is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Brenda J. Milstead; his children, Debra J. Milstead, Darrell A. Milstead Jr. (Amy), and Suelynn Demski (Sean); grandchildren Ashley Cendeno, Danielle Davis, Ami Allan, Nicole Milstead, Julie Milstead, Jennifer Milstead, Emily Manriquez, Sarah Milstead, Riley Demski, and Ryan Demski; great-grandchildren Joseph, Mathew, Alanna, Genevieve, Emilia, Aster, and Edwin Arden; and his sister, Barbara Renner.
He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Douglas A. Milstead; his parents, Francis Louis Milstead and Nelda Bernice McCandless; his brother, Clark Milstead; and his sisters, Darlene McNeal and Jacqueline Starner.
Friends and family are cordially invited to attend and commemorate Darrell’s life. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Southern Funeral Care, 10510 Riverview Drive, Riverview, FL 33578.
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Celebration of Life Service
4
Nov
10510 Riverview Drive
Riverview, FL 33578
