Darrell Devon Hipes of Cumming, Ga., passed away Saturday.

Darrell was born Jan. 26, 1928 in Royal Center and he grew up in Crawfordsville. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1946 and attended Wabash College and Indiana University.

Darrell worked for more than 25 years as a cattle buyer for meat packing companies. During his time as a cattle buyer, he provided radio commentary on livestock related issues. He retired from the National Livestock Producers Association in 1987 as its General Manager and Executive Vice President. He went on to work with independent living retirement communities in Florida until 1995.

Darrell was a Freemason and a member of Kiwanis, serving as President of the Kiwanis Club of Litchfield, Ill., in 1966. Darrell's memorable moments include working with and developing the livestock industry, being introduced on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry by Jean Shepard, and introducing then Vice President George Bush at the National Livestock Convention.

Darrell is the son of the late Roy Lester Hipes and Josephine Smith Hipes. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Saulsbury; his brother, Donald (Debby) Hipes; his children, Cindy (Don) Bennett, Carrie (Jim) Bearden, John (Karen) Hipes, Jill Hipes, and Jeni (Brian) Krueger; his grandchildren, Meghan (Justin) Bearden Womack, Lauren Richardson, Kaelin Hipes, Zachary Hipes, Kyle Krueger, and Riley Krueger; and his step-children, Jim Bassett and Richard (Heather) Saulsbury. He is also survived by 10 step-grandchildren; and 1 step-great granddaughter.

The family received visitors and funeral services were held at McDonald and Son Funeral Home in Cumming, Ga. The family will receive visitors from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and funeral services following on Saturday at Hunt & Son Funeral Home in Crawfordsville.

Darrell will be buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Crawfordsville, next to his mother and father.

The family requests that contributions be made in Darrell's memory to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at PanCan.org.