Darrell Farnsworth, age 87, of North Platte, Nebraska, formerly of Big Springs, Nebraska, died December 8, 2020 at Centennial Park Care Center in North Platte. He had been living in the Sutherland, Nebraska since 2015, and recently transferred to North Platte. Darrell was born February 22,1933 in Burlington, Colorado to Marshall and Fern (Hines) Farnsworth. He was baptized and confirmed into the Methodist Church in Burlington as a young boy.
Darrell married Shirley Andrews in 1952. To this union two children were born, Debra Fern and Mark Gregory. In 1962 he married Doris Suhr at the Lutheran Church in Paxton, Nebraska. They were blessed with three children, Thomas Darrell, Jana Marie and Bobbi Ann.
He attended Burlington Grade School and High School where he was a star football player and track star, graduating with the class of 1951. Following graduation he attended Otaro Jr. College in LaJunta, Colorado and continued his education at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado where he received his Masters Degree. After college he took a teaching position in Big Springs, Nebraska where he remained for 49 years, retiring in 1994. While in the Big Springs School system, he accepted many responsibilities including K-12 Principal, Jr. High math teacher, Elementary PE teacher and a coach for all Jr. High sports with several undefeated seasons in football and volleyball. He was an avid Colorado Buffalo and Denver Bronco football fan, attending all their games if possible.
Darrell was a member of the United Methodist Church in Big Springs. He helped serve his community through active participation in numerous organizations and events. He was a member of the Big Springs Fire Department for many years. He helped organize the Optimist Club and was a member until it disband. He served on the Big Springs City Council for 17 years. He also was the Homecoming Parade Chairman for many years. In 1994 he was chosen as the Deuel County Fair King. Outside of school and community he was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapshooter.
Darrell is survived by his wife, Doris, of 58 years; five children: Debra (John) Olesen of Limon Colorado, Mark (Sheryl) Farnsworth of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, Thomas (Christine) Farnsworth of Venango Nebraska, Jana (Nathan) Piper of Kearney Nebraska, and Bobbie Farnsworth of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Jason (Jessica) Farnsworth, Jared (Lindsey) Farnsworth, Jill (Michael) Ellison, John Olesen, Sean Farnsworth, Alex Farnsworth, Ian Piper and Brendon Piper; Step-granddaughter, Cassie Goldenstien; and six great grandchildren. Darrell is also survived by sisters-in-law Marlene (Leo) Griffiths and Bonnie (Bill) Wendland all of Paxton, Nebraska, Deborah (Lynn) McCaig of Lincoln, Nebraska; also several special nieces, nephews, cousins and many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall Farnsworth, Fern (Hines) Farnsworth/Byer, his step-father, a brother at birth, and a son Alan at birth. His father-in-law Walter Suhr, mother-in-law Marie Suhr, two brothers-in-law Donald Suhr and Marvin Suhr, sister-in-law Donna (Suhr) Stahl and her husband Verlyn Stahl, nephews Michael Stahl and Steven Stahl.
Services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Ogallala, Nebraska on Friday December 11, 2020 at 10:00AM. with Rev Chuck Rager officiating. Masks are requested to be worn at the funeral.
Internment will be in the Paxton Cemetery, Paxton Nebraska.
Visitation will be Thursday from 9AM to 6PM, with family greeting friends from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at Draucker Funeral Home in Ogallala, Nebraska.
Memorials have been established to the Big Springs Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Squad, also the South Platte Junior High Athletic Department.
Services will be streamed and then posted to www.drauckerfh.com and from the www.methodistchurchogallala.com. Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com by clicking the share a memory button.