Darold was born in Wilmar, California on February 10, 1936 and spent his first seventeen years with his parents and older sister, Joan, in their home in South Pasadena, California.  He graduated from South Pasadena-San Marino High School in 1953 and joined the USAF. He turned 18 in South Korea serving his country as an F-86 Sabre Jet hydraulic mechanic.  He spent a year and a half in Korea and Japan and finished his four year commitment with the Air Force at George AF Base in Victorville, California.

Darold met Janet in 1962 and they were married in 1963 in Pasadena. Their first child Derek was born in 1967 and moved from Arcadia to Mission Viejo in 1969 where their second child, Janelle, was born.  Darold spent his working career as a salesman, his last 30 years as a forklift/warehouse equipment sales representative for Hyster Company, Johnson Machinery and Select Equipment.  His recreation time his whole life was spent playing baseball and softball, and he loved it.  He played until he was 74, finishing out his ball career with the Fairway Ford softball team.  He and Janet also loved playing golf together and were fortunate enough to play beautiful golf courses all over the United States.  Darold and Janet joined Saddleback Church in 1987 and loved serving there.

Darold passed away due to cancer on April 29, 2013.  He leaves behind his wife, Janet; his son Derek and wife; daughter Janelle and husband Mike; three grandchildren; and his sister, Joan Klein McDonald (SPHS '49).