Darr L John

Some lives are measured not by accomplishments alone, but by the love they freely gave. Such was the life of Darr John, who passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 92. He peacefully entered into eternal life surrounded by the love of his family. His life was a beautiful testimony to steadfast faith, hard work, and unconditional love. He was a man of deep Christian faith whose trust in God guided every step of his journey.

Darr was born on September 2, 1933, in Arcadia, NE to Lawrence and Mildred John. A few years later, the family relocated to Gering, NE where he attended Carter Canyon School. Darr graduated from Gering High School in 1951. Following High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard, being honorably discharged in 1954. He then attended Embry- Riddle Aeronautical school in Florida to become a pilot. After meeting the love of his life, Jane Morrison, Dad decided to start a family and live a life in Gering, NE instead of traveling the world in an airplane. He then began his career at Great Western Sugar Company. Dad started as a pipe fitter and worked his way up to Master Mechanic. He worked at all three factories in the area; Gering, Scottsbluff, and Mitchell. Darr was a member of Central Church of Christ where he was an Elder, treasurer, and Sunday School teacher for many years. He was instrumental in completing the addition of a gymnasium at the church.

Special treasured memories were created while hunting and fishing with his family over the years. Darr and Jane coached numerous baseball and softball teams while their children were growing up. Darr was a devoted fan of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events. Darr and his brother, Dale built a cabin at Lake Minatare, where countless people learned to water ski. He never tired or complained about driving the boat in the hot sun for hours.

Retirement years found him splitting his time between AZ and NE with family. He continued to enjoy hunting and fishing and taking drives in the country up until a week before his passing.

While his faith was the foundation of his life, his family was his greatest earthly blessing. Nothing brought him greater joy than his family! He loved each and every one of them and was the happiest when everyone gathered together. He taught by example the importance of honesty, compassion, forgiveness, and putting God first. We will miss all the stories he so frequently shared with us. Those who knew him will remember his beautiful smile, giant hugs, and generous giving! His legacy is one of faith, kindness, generosity, devotion to family, and a love that will continue to inspire generations.

Though our hearts grieve his absence, we rejoice knowing he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” and is now at peace in the presence of his Savior. He leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his memory and strive to carry forward the values he so faithfully lived. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched with kindness and compassion.

He will be deeply missed by his daughters, Judy John, Trudy EmBree (Steve), and Debbie John (Lynn); daughter in law, Kris John; sister Delores Neiderer; grandchildren, Travis John, Jennifer Brock (Brandon), Lindsay EmBree (Ryan), and Josh EmBree (Susan); great grandchildren, Foster John, Jaxie John, Kinsley Brock, Everley Brock, Miles Dowell, Lola Dowell, and another great grand daughter on the way.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane, his son James, his brother Dale, sister Doris, and his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 at Central Church of Christ in Gering, NE. The address is 1245 Five Rocks Rd, Gering, NE. A private interment will take place later that day.

Dad loved sports and was a big Husker fan. Please feel free to wear your favorite Husker apparel or his favorite color blue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Darr’s memory to Central Church of Christ or Summit Christian College.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.geringchapel.com for the John family. Gering Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.