Darwin Harwood Guthrie Sr. "Gad"

August 4, 1965 – March 3, 2025

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people." – Luke 1:68

Darwin Harwood Guthrie Sr., affectionately known as "Gad," passed away peacefully at his home in Eagle Mountain, Utah, on March 3, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 59 years old.

Born on August 4, 1965, in Kansas City, Missouri, Darwin was the beloved son of Geraldine M. Kabe Guthrie and William L. Guthrie Sr. He grew up in a large and loving family alongside his twin sister, Darinda, and many siblings. His childhood was filled with both humility and wonder, shaped by the strong bonds of family and faith. He was an active member of Emanuel Church during his youth and young adulthood, where he formed lifelong friendships within the community.

Darwin attended Attucks Elementary School before continuing his education at Lincoln Junior High School. During this time, he became a dedicated member of the "23rd Street Marching Cobras," an esteemed after-school program where he served as a drill master, performing front and back flips with remarkable skill. His time with the Cobras instilled in him a sense of confidence and discipline that would guide him throughout his life. He later attended Lincoln Academy before enrolling in Job Corps in 1983 to pursue new opportunities for himself and his future family.

Above all else, Darwin cherished his role as a father to his four children—his daughters Jasmine and Brittany, whom he lovingly called his princesses, and his sons Darwin Jr. and Dorion, his soldiers. His children were his greatest source of strength, joy, and purpose. As a devoted father, he remained deeply involved in their lives despite any distance between them. He took immense pride in being a grandfather to Kayzlee, Darwin III, and Zaylah, always keeping in touch through visits, phone calls, video chats, and constant requests for pictures of his beloved grandchildren.

In later years, Darwin developed a deep passion for genealogy and took great pride in exploring his indigenous heritage. He also became an avid student of the Bible and could recite much of it from memory. Embracing the name "Gad," which means "lucky" in Hebrew, he was known by this name within his community. He found great comfort in scripture and often shared verses with those seeking guidance or encouragement. His unwavering faith in Yahuwah—the Most High—was central to his life’s journey.

"Death is not the greatest loss in life.

The greatest loss is what dies inside while still alive.

Never surrender."

– Tupac Shakur

Darwin faced many hardships but never lost sight of his faith or integrity. After experiencing homelessness for several years at City Union Mission in Kansas City, he worked tirelessly as a landscaper’s assistant while relying on public transportation to get to work each day without fail. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in keeping his word—especially when it came to spending time with his son. His resilience led him to secure employment at a hospital before later working as a machine operator at Silka. With determination and trust in Yahuwah’s plan for him, he achieved milestones such as renting a home with his then-wife and purchasing his first car—a moment that brought him great pride as he worked toward homeownership.

Throughout life’s trials and triumphs, Darwin never forgot where he came from or those who had walked similar paths. He often offered words of wisdom to those struggling—whether through scripture or simple acts of kindness such as sharing meals or lending an open ear to those in need. His humility remained steadfast even as he thrived; he frequently reminded others: *“The Most High is a bad dude.”*

In his free time, Darwin enjoyed studying scripture, resting peacefully with a nap when needed, or watching animated films—his favorite being *Kung Fu Panda.* He had a unique ability to find deeper meaning beyond the surface level of things and often referenced movies when imparting wisdom to others.

In December 2024, Darwin was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer that had spread aggressively throughout his body. True to form, he continued working until the final months of his illness before relocating to Utah to spend precious time with Jasmine and Darwin Jr., surrounded by the love of his grandchildren during his last days. Though he has departed this world physically, Darwin’s legacy remains strong through the love he shared and the wisdom he imparted upon those who knew him best.

Darwin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Gavrick V. Guthrie Sr. and Kevin W. Guthrie Sr.; and daughter Brittany N. Guthrie.

He is survived by his siblings: Winnetta Guthrie; William L. Guthrie Jr.; Lisa Guthrie; Keith E. Guthrie Sr.; Shariel Guthrie; Myron L. Guthrie Sr.; Darnella D. Guthrie; Darinda H. Guthrie; children Jasmine Guthrie; Darwin H. Guthrie Jr.; Dorion Guthrie; grandchildren Kayzlee Guthrie; Darwin H. Guthrie III; Zaylah Guthrie; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish their memories with him.

A celebration of life will be held at:

Destiny Life Center Ministries

4207 Blue Ridge Cutoff

Kansas City, MO 64133

Saturday from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." – Psalm 73:26

May Gad's memory be a blessing to all who knew him—his spirit lives on through faith, family, and love everlasting

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