Darla Jean Gacek

Darla Jean Gacek, age 83, of Liberty, Missouri passed away at home on Friday, September 1, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Church Archer Pasley Funeral Home, 119 East Franklin Street, Liberty, Missouri, 64068. The visitation will be immediately followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., also at Church Archer Pasley. Darla will join her husband, John, in eternal rest on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Road, Leavenworth, Kansas, 66048.

Darla was born on November 11, 1939 in Missouri Valley, Iowa to Floyd and Margaret (McHugh) Burton. On November 25, 1972, she would marry John Gacek and take his name. John was in the US Army, and they traveled all over, living in several different states such as Washington and Hawai’i (the latter being Darla’s favorite), as well as spending some time stationed in Germany. While in Germany, Darla, John, and their daughter, Darla Jane, would travel Europe, much like we travel from state to state. Darla Jean would often spend an afternoon driving to and from Czechoslovakia, her favorite place to shop while living in Europe. Darla also had three children from a prior marriage, Terri, Jerry, and Tonilyn Massie.

Darla was very proud of her involvement with the military. She was considered by her family to be the “ideal military wife,” and frequently mentored younger military wives during John’s 27 years of service. Darla was well known to go grocery shopping for young military mothers while their husbands were deployed. She also worked for the Army Air Force Exchange Service as a sales associate, and was president of her local NCO Wives’ Club.

Beyond her experience in the military, Darla was a fantastic hostess. She loved to entertain friends and family alike, often cooking homemade meals and snacks to serve. She was especially well known for her chili and homemade chicken & noodles.

Darla will be most remembered for her strong-willed, generous spirit, and the way she brightened the lives of everyone she touched.

Darla is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Margaret, and her husband, John.

Darla is survived by her four children, Terri Jean Massie, Gerald “Jerry” Massie, Jr., Tonilyn Massie, and Darla Jane Gacek-Parker; her daughter-in-law, Donna Massie; her grandchildren, David, Shayne, Jacob, Amanda, Megan, Rebecca, Madison, Justin, Tianalexa, and Kenleigh; several great-grandchildren; and numerous other friends, family, and loved ones.