Darrel Calvin Driver
Darrel Driver
WYNOT — Darrel Calvin Driver, 90, Wynot, died Aug. 7, 2024, at Avera Majestic Bluffs Assisted Living, Yankton, S.D., surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 12 at Holy Family (Sacred Heart) Catholic Church, Wynot, with the Rev. Jim Keiter officiating.
Burial was at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Wynot, with military honors provided by the Wynot American Legion Post #31.
Pallbearers were his grandsons, Jamie Kathol, Curtis Kathol, Aaron Fuelberth, Alec Fuelberth, Jared Fuelberth, Brett Lunz, Ryan Lunz, Drew Lunz, Lane Driver and Luke Driver.
Honorary pallbearers were his granddaughters, Dana Marsh, Ashley Miner, Laurel Warriner, Grace Driver and Elsie Driver.
Visitation and a vigil service were Sunday, at church. Visitation continued Monday, one hour prior to services. Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.
Darrel C. Driver was born Dec. 12, 1933, in Lindy, to Arthur and Ellen (McFarland) Driver. He attended school in St. James through the eighth grade, then graduated from Wynot High School in 1951. The next two summers he farmed, then moved to Sioux City, Iowa, during the winters to work at the Swift packing plant. In 1953, he drove a new Thunderbird out to California for a local car dealership, then stayed with family friends to work at Consolidated Western Steel for the winter. He returned to Nebraska to continue farming until he was drafted in 1956. He was stationed in Germany where he served as a mechanic, servicing army tanks. He was discharged home in 1958 and returned to farming. He farmed with his brother, Larry, in Brooky Bottom until 1969. From 1970 until 1975, the family lived in Wynot, while he continued to farm. In 1975, he purchased the farm east of Wynot and continued farming until his farm sale in 2008. Darrel and Anne moved to Majestic Bluffs Assisted Living in 2021.
Darrel would often say, “I don’t need much.” He was a simple man who enjoyed everyday pleasures, especially good ice cream. Nothing made him happier than seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid story teller, and would share a story with everyone he met.
Darrel was a member of the Sacred Heart parish in Wynot, and a member of the American Legion. He was especially proud to have served on the Cedar Security Bank board for 50 years. He was a loyal supporter of Wynot High School athletics and participated for several years in the Tri-State Old Iron tractor rides. He was also well known for his generous contributions to the “local library fund,” which were well documented in the local newspaper.
Survivors include his wife, Anne Driver, Wynot; four children, Julie (Troy) Fuelberth, Hartington; Jean (Tim) Kathol, Bow Valley; Dale (Christina) Driver, Wynot; and Nancy (Keith) Lunz, Laurel; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, with two on the way; four siblings, Shirley Gowery, Wynot; Larry (JoAnn) Driver, Wynot; Wanda Branson, Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Dennis (Jan) Driver, Altoona, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, James; sister, Phyllis Schwartz; brothers-in-law, Harley Gowery and Bill Branson; sister-in-law, Carolyn Driver; parents-in-law, Gus and Laura Beste; and brother-in-law, LeRoy Beste.