Darrell McFarland

January 21, 1947 - December 26, 2016

Darrell Edwin McFarland, 69, of Springfield, Missouri passed away on December 26, 2016 at his home. He was born on January 21, 1947 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Clifford and LaNora LaRue McFarland. He graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1967. After high school, Darrell served in the United States Army as a Dental Specialist during the Vietnam War. He married Karen Sue Ritz on May 13, 1972 in Bloomfield, Iowa. Darrell worked as a linesman for the Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative in Bloomfield. He received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Open Bible College and attended St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated with a Masters in Theology and worked in ministry until 2012 when failing health caused him to retire. Darrell was an Ordained Elder, and a member of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church for 33 years. He loved nature, riding his bicycle and reading. He is survived by his wife, Karen McFarland; a daughter, Sarah (Sean) Appleby of Springfield, Missouri; three granddaughters, Lauren, Lindsey and Lydia Appleby of Springfield, Missouri; and two brothers, Randy (Deanna) McFarland of Bloomfield, Iowa and Courtney (Cindy) McFarland of Agency, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Deverne McFarland; and a sister, Sherrill Biggerstaff McFarland. Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2016 at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield with LaVerne Weilbrenner officiating. Burial with military rites performed by Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion will immediately follow the ceremony. Viewing will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the cemetery and will continue until the time of the service. Memorials may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation.