Darrell Ellis "Mandy" Muennink Sr. was born in Hondo on July 17, 1932, to Amandus Simone Muennink and Clara Lucille (Santleben) Muennink, who preceded him in death. After a long illness, Darrell passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Aug. 14, 2013, surrounded by his loved ones. He married Inez Y. (Johnston) Muennink on Nov. 3, 1983, and has spent the last 31 years with the love of his life. In 2006, he and Inez adopted their grandchildren, Joseph and Jazmine Johnston. Darrell was not an active member but was confirmed and baptized in St. Paul Lutheran Church in 1947, where he considered himself a member and son of Christ throughout his life. He spent first grade at the Yancey School, before moving to Hondo and skipping to the third grade. He graduated from Hondo High School in 1950. He hauled cattle to the San Antonio Auction Company for Mr. Tondre at the age of 16 (1948-1951). He tried farming and knew it was not for him. At the age of 17, he started work for Texas Aviation Industries (TAI) Fire Department at Hondo Air Base (1951-1956), where he worked with his father and several uncles. He worked as an undercover Railroad Police officer, around the Englewood Yards while in Houston (1956). In 1957, he went into Civil Service as a crash firefighter (which dealt with airplane crashes or emergencies) at Port Isabel Navy Auxiliary Air Station until it closed in 1961. At that time he returned to Hondo, working for Hayes Aircraft as a maintenance worker and 0-10 Crash Truck driver/operator (1961-1962). He worked at Medina Base Fire Department from 1962, later reassigned as a security guard after the 1963 explosion, until the closing of Medina Base in 1966. He had the highest Top Secret and Cripto Secret clearance available. In March 1966, a job opportunity became available so he moved to Corpus Christi to work at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station Fire Department where he remained for 22 years in Federal Civil Service, reaching the rank of crash captain, until his retirement in June of 1983. While performing the duties of crash captain, he operated crash cranes, bulldozers, catapults, and maintained care of landing arrested aircraft components. While stationed at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station Fire Department, he was chosen for a flight on a TS-2A Mail Plane, known as the "Happy Hooker", and was flown out to the USS Lexington, which was in Corpus Christi Bay for flight operations. He stayed aboard for two days to observe flight operations, launches and recovery of A-4 jet aircraft. He expanded his education in newer, more complex procedures of crash fires, equipment and aircraft through both the Navy and Air Force throughout his 34 total years of firefighting. In June 1983, he retired to his home town to help his mother operate and manage the ranches and cattle, which have been a big joy in his life. He hunted on the ranches, not only for the love of hunting, but also out of the necessity to provide food for the family during his early years. He was a member of the Medina County Peace Officer's Equine Search and Rescue Team (1951-1976); Guadalupe Valley Peace Officer's Association and Bexar County Peace Officer's Association while working security at Medina Base; and was a member of the Corpus Christi Bass Club (1972-1976). He loved camping and fishing when time permitted. He was a member of National Rifle Association since 1985, Texas Lawmen's Association since 2000, and Quihi Gun Club since the age of 21 (1953 to present). He was considered a jack-of-all-trades by his friends, because he could fix or operate most anything, big or small, if given time to look it over. He had made many true and long lasting friendships throughout the years and will truly be missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Inez Y. Muennink; his sons, Darrell E. Muennink Jr. and Joseph A. Johnston; daughters, Tara LeCi Cooper and husband Gregory and Jazmine R. Johnston. grandchildren, Tyler Muennink and wife Megan, Aspen Cooper and Autumn Cooper; great-grandchild, Colton Muennink; sister-in-law, Barbara Dubose; brother-in-law, Noell Crossland and wife Pat; uncles, aunts, cousins and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are Alvin Santleben Jr., Carl Santleben, Larry Muennink, Richard Muennink, Clyde Muerinink and David Montgomery. Honorary bearers are Edward Duderstadt, Alidor Thienpont, Larry (Herk) Hibbs, Bruce Saathoff, Don Haglund, Cyril Van Damme and NAS Assistant Fire Chief Tony Garcia and the members of Corpus Christi NAS Fire Department's A-Shift. Pallbearers are Alvin Santleben Jr., Carl Santleben, Larry Muennink, Richard Muennink, Clyde Muerinink and David Montgomery. Honorary bearers are Edward Duderstadt, Alidor Thienpont, Larry (Herk) Hibbs, Bruce Saathoff, Don Haglund, Cyril Van Damme and NAS Assistant Fire Chief Tony Garcia and the members of Corpus Christi NAS Fire Department's A-Shift. Visitation will be Monday, Aug. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be Tuesday, 10 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hondo. Interment will follow at Community Cemetery in Castroville.