Darrel Wayne Andrist

Darrel Wayne Andrist, age 81, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025. He was born May 25, 1943, to Wayne Andrist and Dorothy (Fortmeyer) Andrist in Goodland, Kansas. After Wayne was killed in WWII, Dorothy remarried Robert Young who raised Darrel. Darrel’s family soon included his sister Carolyn, his brother Leonard "Lenny" and his sister Brenda.

Darrel grew up in Goodland but worked in the summers on the farm of family friends who became like family to him throughout his life. Darrel attended Kansas State University where he met and married Janet Kay Darter on March 6, 1965. They welcomed a daughter, Kelly, in 1965. Darrel graduated from Kansas State in 1966 with a degree in architectural engineering. The young couple lived in Goodland where Darrel worked at Rhoads Construction Company. Their second daughter, Tracey, was born in 1969. In 1973, the family moved to New Orleans, LA. Their son, Robert, was born in New Orleans in 1974. Darrel worked for many years at Stewart Enterprises in New Orleans as a project manager and VP. Darrel worked on numerous mausoleum projects all over the country and even traveled to Europe to select stone and marble for some of the projects.

After living in Gainesville, FL for several years, Darrel and Janet decided to move back to Kansas and relocated to Wichita to be closer to family. Darrel worked as a project manager for Dondlinger Construction in Wichita until he retired at age 70 in 2013. Throughout his life Darrel was an avid golfer and loved to play golf and watch golf on TV. He had a collection of golf clubs and golf equipment and could often be found practicing his putting on his indoor putting green. Darrel also liked to grill and host shrimp boils for friends and family. Darrel was also active in the Toastmasters International club. He wrote and gave speeches to improve his communication skills, winning many awards for his efforts. Darrel even served as a District Governor for the club while living in New Orleans.

While he taught his children independence, he was thrilled when all of his children eventually moved to Wichita. His son Robert and his wife Jeanie (Shanks) Andrist gave Darrel 4 grandchildren: Katelyn, Kassidy, Jeremy and Joseph. For Darrel, family was all important. He adored his family and celebrated every milestone with them.

He was a preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Dorothy Andrist; his second father, Robert Young; his sister, Carolyn; and his brother, Lenny.

Darrel is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet K. Andrist; son, Robert and his wife Jeanie Andrist; daughters, Tracey Andrist and Kelly Andrist Herzik; grandchildren, Katelyn, Kassidy, Jeremy and Joseph Andrist; his sister, Brenda Young; his nephew, Cullen Johnson and his wife Maureen; niece, Melissa Johnson Sable and her husband Mike; several great nephews and nieces, and many dear friends.

A Celebration of Life Service for Darrel will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lakeview Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 East 13th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67206.