Darrel was born in his family home on the farm in Meriden, Kansas to George and Irene (Russum) Baxter, June 24, 1935. His younger sister, Alberta was born two years later. When Darrel and Alberta were in grade school, the family moved to their farm in Berryton, Kansas. Darrel attended school in Berryton through high school where as a senior he would drive the school bus and pick up students all along the way. After high school, Darrel attended Washburn University for a semester. In January of that year he and Don Bernhardt, who later became his brother in law, enlisted in the US Air Force. They did their basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. From there Darrel trained to be a jet mechanic and eventually was stationed at Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas. He became a crew chief leader on the B47 Airplane with which he flew all over the world. He also served during the end of the Korean War.
After his service in the Air Force, Darrel returned to Topeka, Kansas where he married Dorothy Bernhardt in 1961. Darrel and Dorothy have three daughters, Debbie, Lori and Sandy. In 1969, the family moved to Tempe, Arizona. He soon got a job as a mechanic for the Tempe Fire Department. Being avid sports fans, they quickly became season ticket holders to Arizona State football games where they had season tickets for 50 years. Darrel and Dorothy traveled to several bowl games and through the years had season tickets for basketball, softball and baseball. They also supported the Sun Devils two times at the College World Series. They loved attending ASU sporting events and made many great memories with friends during those times. Darrel eventually moved from the Tempe Fire Department to become the Equipment Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Tempe, the position from which he retired in 1997.
Throughout the years Darrel and Dorothy loved attending the sporting events of their children and grandchildren. Darrel coached his daughters in softball both in Kansas and in Arizona. They were often a part of the crowd, cheering on their grandkids and traveled many places to root for them. Everyone knew Grandpa Darrel and loved getting hugs and high fives from him. Along with Grandma Dot, everyone just thought of them as their grandma and grandpa, which they loved! A favorite pastime of Darrel’s was playing golf. He was always up for playing with friends, co-workers, his kids and especially his grandsons. Darrel loved the outdoors, he and Dorothy spent many summers in Pinetop, AZ. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and camping with his family.
An important aspect of Darrel’s story was his spiritual life. The family was charter members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Tempe, AZ. Darrel was involved in many parts of leadership at church including being an elder, church president and usher. He and Dorothy served coffee for many years and often were the first people at church on a Sunday morning. Everyone looked forward to being greeted by Darrel and getting a warm hug from him. Even up to the week of his passing, Darrel attended men’s bible study regularly.
In addition to his many church and sports activities he served on many boards and committees, including being a founding board member for Arizona Federal Credit Union. He also belonged to several Mechanic organizations, and met regularly with the retired firefighters group. One of his favorite recent accomplishments was being invited to participate in an Honor Flight for Veterans of War where he visited Washington DC.
Darrel is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his sister, Alberta Flohrschutz, his daughters, Debra Koepke (Grant), Lori Blanton (Boyd), Sandra Rosenbaum (Kent), 9 wonderful grandchildren, 12 amazing great-grandchildren, and beloved nieces and nephews. With his passing he is reunited with his heavenly Father, his parents, Alexandra Koepke, and cherished family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gethsemane Church or Honor Flight of Arizona.
A pre-service video will begin being streamed at 8:30 am, with the funeral service beginning at 8:30 am, Arizona time. You can view the celebration of life service at church on this link:
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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