Darrel D. Schweitzer passed away on Saturday, April 17, in Overland Park, Kansas at the age of 84. He is survived by Shirley, his loving wife of 65 years; three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Surviving are Rod Schweitzer (Cheryl) of Jefferson City, Missouri, Julie Blau (Rick) of Overland Park Kansas and Jerry Schweitzer of Columbia, Missouri. Grandchildren are Lauren Schweitzer and Robin Anderson (Blake) of Columbia, Missouri, Alex Blau, Brett Blau and Luke Blau of Overland Park, Kansas and one great-grandson, Korben Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter.
Darrel enjoyed a full life, rich in love, faith and family. He was a leader of his family, and led by example in his work, personal and church life. After growing up in Ransom, Kansas, he married Shirley Schweitzer, started his family, then a retail career, living in Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. After settling in Wappapello, Missouri, he enjoyed 36 years of living there with the love of his life, Shirley, his love of fishing, boating, jet skiing, wood working, gardening, working in the yard and shop, entertaining family and friends and enjoying the sunsets. He built and excelled at his own business in specialty advertising in the Southeast Missouri area and won many awards through the years as top salesperson. Darrel was well known in his community as being congenial, charismatic, helpful and caring with a sense of humor. Before and even after he retired from his business at age 79, he always saw people he knew when he was out in the world. He was greatly loved by all.
While living in Wappapello, Darrel was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri for many years. He was committed to faith and church and was often a volunteer for church activities. His specialty breads, candies and chili donated with love, will always be remembered by the community. His legacy is the exemplary life he led for those who knew and loved him.
There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial held at First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on Saturday, June 5. Details of the event will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org, the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org, or to the First United Methodist Church/Poplar Bluff, www.fumcpb.org