Darrel Louis Janssen

Darrel Louis Janssen, 82, of Addison and Rockport, TX, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in Corpus Christi, TX.

Born at home in Buckley, IL, to parents Louis and Laverne (Schumacher) Janssen on August 24, 1943. He was raised on the family farm in rural IL where he learned the value of hard work and responsibility from a young age. Sadly, at the age of 10 his mother passed away leaving him, his brother Dennis (8) and sister Linda (3). His father would later marry Helen (Bauer) Janssen on June 20th, 1959.

Eager to explore life beyond the farm after high school, Darrel moved to Lafayette, IN and enrolled in Indiana Business College where he met his first wife Marilyn Dorsey. They would later welcome two daughters Kimberly and Melissa.

In his professional life, Darrel was an accomplished finance executive whose career path led from Chicago, to Jacksonville, FL and then a final move to Texas where he and his family planted their roots.

In 1977 Darrel married the love of his life Carolyn Patterson beginning a partnership built on a shared ambition, laughter and a love for adventure. Carolyns love of sailing quickly became Darrel’s own. They would spend many years traveling and sailing together.

In 1982, after successfully building and selling their electronic parts coating company founded in 1978 by the couple, they left their home and spent a full year traveling across the US. Over the years, their love of travel would take them to 49 states and numerous foreign countries.

Darrel started his successful real estate career in 1985 that lasted more than 30 years. He was known as a true leader in the field. He quickly became the heart and soul of the office with his professionalism, humor, and boisterous laugh. Over the years, his excellence was recognized with many distinguished honors, reflecting the respect he commanded across the industry.

His fun and outgoing personality and sharp wit landed him many other awards including Mr. Congeniality, The Spirit Award, Best Dressed Award and the beloved “Spammie Award” for sending the most forwarded emails unrelated to real estate.

Faith has always been a strong part of his life. Over the years, he has served as an Adult Education Director, participated in the choir, led a Christian Men’s Fellowship League among other faith based activities. He and Carolyn were active members of Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas and the First Presbyterian Church in Rockport.

Darrel and Carolyn divided their time between their Addison home, the Patterson family lake home in Lewisville, and their home in Rockport. They loved racing Carolyns sailboat, the Andale’ and were active members of Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club, Rockport Yacht Club and Key Allegro Yacht Club. Unfortunately, after 43 years of marriage, Carolyn lost her battle with an immune disorder in December 2020.

After her passing, Darrel was blessed to meet Linda Turner Collins. Over the past 3 years they enjoyed much laughter and fun together spending time at Rockport Country Club and sharing friendship with those around them.

Darrel’s life was one of perseverance, leadership, service and adventure. His legacy lives on in the communities he strengthened, the colleagues he mentored, the friends he cherished and the family he loved. His quick wit, sense of humor, friendliness and memorable laugh will be missed by all who knew him.

Darrel’s ashes will be interred with his beloved Carolyn at Highland Park Presbyterian Church Columbarium at a small private family ceremony in Dallas.

A celebration for friends and family will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27th at Patterson Family Lake home in Lewisville.

The final stop on Darrel’s celebration of life will be held, Sunday, March 1st at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Rockport, TX where his family and friends will gather to honor and remember him. The ceremony will be followed by a gathering at the RCC from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Carolyn (Patterson) Janssen, brother Dennis Janssen and grandsons, Brandon Bosler and Jacob Muller.

Darrel is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Janssen) Bosler (Eric) of Cincinnati, OH and Melissa (Janssen) Muller (Keith) of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren, Amanda (Bosler) Bond (Anthony) of Cincinnati, OH, Miranda (Bosler) Davis (Ethan) of Fort Worth, TX, Emily Muller of Charlotte, NC, Allison Muller of Cincinnati, OH, and Zachary Muller of Cincinnati, OH; and his great-grandchildren, Evelyn Bond, Madeleine Bond, Chloe Davis, and Liam Davis; Sister, Linda Hunt of Thomasville, NC; Sister in law Sue (Meuser) Janssen, Fishers IN; Brother in Law, David Patterson of Dallas, TX, Sister In Law Nancy Patterson, Dallas, TX and his girlfriend, Linda Turner Collins of Rockport, TX.

Instead of planting a tree…please consider making  a donation in his name to the MDS Foundation? www.mds-foundation.org