Donald Darby

It’s with heavy hearts we announce the death of Donald Lee Darby, who was born December 21, 1936 at Council Bluffs, IA to the late Walter Lee and Lenora Catherine (Simmonds) Darby. He passed away on January 16, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, IL.

Don attended school in Emerson, IA where he graduated in 1955. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959. After his years in the Navy, he moved to San Francisco, CA, where he worked for the postal service until his retirement. In 1988 he moved to Branson, MO and spent the next few years in Branson and Ozark, where he worked with a good friend, Junior Klingensmith, who built houses. Don also worked at some of the shows in Branson. In 2001 he moved to Fort Collins, CO to be closer to his mom, sister and her family. That’s where he met the love of his life, (Sheryl) Shirley.

Don loved spending time with his two step-sons and their families and his sister and her family. He liked to travel, go dancing, watch the shows in Branson and go on jeep rides.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Lee and Lenora Catherine Darby; father-in-law, Everett Stewart; and mother-in-law, Geraldine Stewart.

He is survived by his wife, Sheryl of the home in Farmington, MO; sister, Fran Shelley and husband Gary of Loveland, CO; niece, Paula and husband Thom; nephews, Allan and wife Vickie, Steve and wife Allison; step-sons, Kevin Crider and wife Renee of Salem, MO and Wes Crider and wife Karena of Mineral Point, MO; grandchildren, Eden and Kadence.

A few fun memories of Don that we have, include a jeep ride in the Colorado mountains. Don was in the back with Sheryl and thought the jeep was going to turn over, and jumped out of the jeep, rolling down the trail. Another was an airplane ride with son, Kevin up over the mountains. Don said he left fingerprints in the metal under the seat.

A graveside service with military honors is being planned in the spring. Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home – Taylor Chapel in Farmington, MO.