Darrell Eugene Werner, born on November 6, 1929, in Borger, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024. He was the eldest child of Elton Wayne (Jack) Werner and Nellie Pauline Werner, both of whom predeceased him in 1994. Darrell is survived by his sister, Phyllis Penney, and was predeceased by his brother, Stan Werner, in 2020.
Darrell shared 63 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Barbara, before her passing in December 2013. Their journey together began on a blind date in January 1949, leading to their wedding on June 24, 1950. Together, they raised three children: Karen Grogan (Mike), Lisa Tomlinson (Thom), and Gregory Werner (Kathy). Darrell was a devoted grandfather to seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, with two more eagerly anticipated.
A graduate of Topeka High School, class of 1947, Darrell attended Washburn University, where he joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1952 to 1953, with the 24th Army Division, Headquarters Company, in Japan and South Korea. After his military service, Darrell resumed his college education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Dayton.
Darrell's professional life was distinguished by his significant contributions to the banking industry. He began his career with TWA, then the Dayton Power and Light Company before relocating to Kansas City in 1960 to join the Federal Reserve Bank. In 1967 he joined the First National Bank of Kansas City. His expertise and dedication saw him rise to the position of Senior Vice President of the Operations Division at Boatmen's Trust Company, from which he retired in 1993.
Beyond his professional achievements, Darrell was a man of varied interests and talents. He loved aviation and earned his pilot's license at the young age of 17 and went on to become a flight instructor in the 1960s. He also enjoyed trap and skeet shooting, wood carving, and playing the piano.
Darrell and Barbara participated in hot air ballooning and joined Brookridge Country Club, where they enjoyed many friendships through their golf and duplicate bridge activities. Darrell and Barbara also shared a love for traveling and especially enjoyed their many trips to Europe.
Darrell joined the Commemorative Air Force in 2003, bringing his love of airplanes full circle back to the World War II airplanes that first caught his attention as a youth. He organized several airshows, attended many hangar dances, headed up the CAF Wing’s museum expansion and served as the Finance Officer. In later years, he especially enjoyed the camaraderie of the Wednesday morning breakfasts with his CAF friends.
For the last ten years, Darrell found deep companionship, joy, and love with JoAnn Trussell. Darrell's legacy is one of love, dedication, and adventure, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to the values of family, service, and passion, and he will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family and friends.
A visitation will be held from 1-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024 with Celebration of Life Services following at 2:00 p.m. at the Porter Funeral Home, Lenexa, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, Darrell's family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/darrellwerner or Commemorative Air Force-Heart of America Wing, 6 Aero Plaza, New Century, KS 66031.