Darrel Robert Strange, 75 years young, passed away on July 1, 2025, surrounded by family and the people he loved most. Originally born in Goodland, Kansas. His departure leaves a space that can never be replaced, but his warmth, humor, and unforgettable spirit will continue to live on in all who knew him.

Darrel was born with a sweet, welcoming heart — the kind that made sure you got two hugs, and sometimes even a little kiss on the lips, just to remind you how loved you were. He had a way of turning ordinary moments into memories, often jokingly beginning stories with, “When I was a little girl…” just to hear you chuckle.

A natural-born engineer and mechanic, Darrel could build anything with an engine — and often even from scratch. His genius was effortless, his curiosity endless. He held a private pilot’s license and carried a lifelong passion for airplanes and cars. His collection of model airplanes and cars was more than a hobby; it reflected the wonder, patience, and precision he brought into everything he touched.

Darrel was equally at home in the kitchen. He loved to cook, and his cookies and brownies were unmatched, famous among family and friends. From his farmer roots, he carried a deep connection to the earth. He had a green thumb that kept everyone fed with fresh fruits and vegetables throughout childhood, and plants in the house were a must — living reminders of the life and beauty he nurtured everywhere he went.

He loved music, adventure, and the outdoors. Whether he was boating, camping, or skiing, he lived with a joy that invited others to join in. Darrel never believed in dividing love between “family” and “friends” — to him, everyone he cared for was family, and he loved with no hesitation or conditions.

He proudly loved his daughters, Jessica and Stephanie, and he held a special place in his heart for his granddaughter Valentina, who he adored. He was thrilled for the knowledge of pregnancy of his yet to be born grandson, Denver, whose sex he guessed — correctly — long before anyone else knew. His loyal companions, Saki the dog and Ira the bird, were cherished parts of his world as well.

Darrel served his country as a veteran of Vietnam — a part of his life he carried humbly and quietly, never proud of the necessary work he had to do, because at his core, Darrel was a lover, not a fighter. His tenderness, empathy, and heart-first way of living defined him far more than anything else.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, unmatched talent, and unforgettable stories. Everyone who knew Darrel knew what it felt like to be welcomed, protected, and truly cared for. He generously donated his body to science to help others benefit from pieces of him that he could leave behind.

He was celebrated by all who loved him on August 3, 2025 at Cornerstone Park in Englewood, where loved ones gathered potluck style, just as he would have loved.

His memory will be held close by those he loved, and his spirit will live on in every engine started, every recipe shared, every plant grown, every story told, every adventure taken, and every hug given in his honor.

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