Darrell Rollin Hoyer
Darrell Rollin Hoyer, age 82, of Batesville, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati with his wife by his side.
Born in Osgood, Indiana, on October 28, 1942, he was the son of the late Norman and Carol (Ludaker) Hoyer. Darrell was a 1960 graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School and went on to attend Indiana Central University, now known as the University of Indianapolis.
He began his teaching career in Putnam County, Indiana, where he also coached basketball. Throughout his career in education, he took great joy in working with students and parents. His dedication led him to become the principal of Lebanon High School, where he served until his retirement in 2000.
Following his retirement from education, Darrell pursued a second career as a flight attendant with ATA, primarily serving on overseas flights carrying military personnel. He worked in this role for eight years, which further fueled his passion for travel, allowing him to visit numerous countries around the world.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Darrell and a few friends collaborated with ESPN in developing voice activation technology for NASCAR racing. He was an avid spectator of the Indianapolis 500, always cheering for his favorite driver, his brother-in-law, Johnny Rutherford.
During his college years, Darrell was a varsity letter recipient in both basketball and baseball.
On October 26, 2002, he married Jenene Decker. Their lifelong friendship, which began in the third grade, ultimately blossomed into a loving marriage. They spent their later years living in Port St. Lucie, Florida, before returning to Batesville in the spring of 2024.
Darrell is survived by his wife, Jenene; daughters Kelly (Mike) Wallace of Zionsville, Heather (Nathan) Hayes of Lebanon, Indiana, and Amy Bishop of Grove City, Ohio; brother Lowell (Kathy) Hoyer of Brownsburg; brother-in-laws Johnny Rutherford of Fort Worth, Texas, and Bob Buxton of Osgood; and grandchildren Hope, Noah, Everly, and Gabby.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters; Betty Rutherford and Beverly Buxton and son in law John Bishop.
Visitation was held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood, funeral services followed at 2:00 PM. Burial took place at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Napoleon.
Darrell was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors in care of Neal’s Funeral Home. Online condolences can be shared at nealsfuneralhome.net.
