Darrell Lloyd Markle, 73, Velva and former owner of the Lariat Club Restaurant and Lounge - Velva died on Saturday, July 11, 2009 in his home following a lengthy battle with respiratory problems.

Darrell was born on August 1, 1935 in Minot to Lloyd and Grayce (Chapman) Markle. He was reared and educated in Minot. As a young adult he was employed by Markle and Thompson construction company in Minot for several years.

Darrell married Joanne Zietlow on May 16, 1955 in Minot. They made their home in Minot prior to moving to Storm Lake, Iowa where he was employed as a truck driver for Colonial Pacific hauling produce and meat. The family returned to North Dakota in 1962 where Darrell was self employed as a truck driver before becoming a heavy equipment operator. He and his wife owned and operated the Lariat Restaurant and Lounge from 1984 to 2003. He returned to truck driving for North Star Steel before an accident on October 15, 2001 forced him to retire.

Darrell was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church - Minot, Moose Lodge, Elk's Lodge, International Union of Operating Engineers and was a charter member of the Nodak Race Club. He especially enjoyed NASCAR racing, World of Outlaws Racing, model race cars, traveling and camping. Darrell was very proud to have been inducted into the Nodak Race Club Hall of Fame.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years Joanne; children: Daniel Jacobson of Fargo; Cheryll Markle of Minot, Shelly Pross of Velva and Deanne Markle of Minot; grandchildren: Sarah Pross Cooper, Gabriel Markle, Brandon Markle, Daniel Jacobson, Vaughn Bossert and Alexis Smith; great grandchild: Lindley Grayce Markle; sister: Kay Perron of Bakersfield CA; brother: Daniel (Glenda) Markle of Seattle, WA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents and son: Stewart Markle.

Funeral Service: Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice or Home Health or to the donor's choice.