Darrell W. Schepmann

Darrell Schepmann, beloved husband, father, grandpa and life-long educator, was born on March 22, 1941 in Great Bend, Kansas and was called home to be with his Lord on Sunday, April 3, 2022, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his wife and family, at the age of 81. Darrell is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy May Schepmann; children David Schepmann and wife Julie; Daniel Schepmann and wife, Karisa; and Dennis Schepmann and wife, Hala. He was blessed with 8 grandchildren; John (17) and Evan (14); Thomas (22) and wife Lauren (22), Caroline (17), and Anna (14); and Jihan (20) and Mina (17); brother, Roger Schepmann and his wife, Laurie; cousin, Gilbert Schepmann and wife Judi.

Growing up on a farm in Holyrood, Kansas, Darrell was a baptized, confirmed and redeemed child of God, raised in a Christian home that gave him a firm foundation for his life’s work and ministry. His strong work ethic, desire for excellence, and positive outlook on life was developed in the wheat fields of Kansas, in the school halls of St. Peter’s Lutheran School, and modeled by his parents Walter and Esther and the many aunts and uncles that lived a mile down the road from their farm. Following graduation from St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas, he received his bachelor’s degree in Education from Concordia, River Forest, where he and Dorothy met. He married Dorothy (Malvitz) Schepmann on December 29, 1962 while they served in their respective teaching careers in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. He began his teaching career in St. Louis, MO at Green Park Lutheran School as a 5th grade teacher, moved to a combined 3rd and 4th grade classroom, and then remained a 4th grade teacher, with his famous crawfish habitats, teaching manipulatives, and school plays/musicals. He also served as organist, choir director, and VBS director at Peace Lutheran Church. During this time, he also received a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Webster University.

After 13 years of teaching in St. Louis, Darrell and Dorothy and their three sons, moved to Houston, Texas, where he served as assistant principal the first year and principal for the next 5 years at Lutheran Elementary North (later Lutheran North Association). During this time, he served as 6th grade home room teacher, teaching Math, Music and religion, and as organist and choir director for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He also led Our Redeemer through a major building program, which included a gymnasium and new fellowship hall.

Following those 6 years, he took a Call to be Principal and Child-Care Director at Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School for the next 25 years, faithfully serving God’s people and touching lives forever with the hope and love that is each of ours in Christ Jesus. From the annual Fall Festival and Spring Auction; promoting the Prayer Garden; the “Weepul Raids” for magazine sales (and wearing all those goofy hats); National Lutheran Schools Week and all the activities and shenanigans; Jump-A-Thons and D.A.R.E. Programs; Field Day; Campus Work days; and even sitting on the dunk tank to the delight of all his students, Darrell expressed his joy and passion for Lutheran education beyond the classroom and into the hearts of all who know him. He loved his Houston Sports teams, especially the Astros and was pulling for his Kansas Jayhawks to win the Final Four.

His influence went beyond the walls of Pilgrim as he was named Outstanding Lutheran Educator in 1987. He also served on the Texas District Commission for Accreditation for 15 years, while maintaining a very active role in the life of Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Mayor Bob Lanier recognized his ministry achievements and accomplishments upon his retirement in 2002 with a “Proclamation of Darrell Schepmann Day.”

In retirement, he served as interim principal at Trinity Lutheran School, Houston, Texas and Memorial Lutheran School, Houston, Texas and on various accreditation teams throughout Texas. He served Pilgrim Lutheran Church as Elder and chairman of the Board of Elders, constantly striving to support the mission and ministry of Pilgrim, under the leadership of Pastor Josh Duffy. He remained a highly respected and faith-filled leader at Pilgrim and in the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He also resumed teaching piano students, holding annual piano recitals to highlight the accomplishments of his students to the delight and joy of so many.

Darrell will be deeply missed, but his legacy continues on through his children, grandchildren, students, and families. He loved his wife deeply, seeing Dorothy not only as a gift from God, but his best friend. Their marriage is an example of a Christ-centered relationship, modeling grace, forgiveness, and perseverance through good times and challenging circumstances. His generous heart, grace-filled attitude, and humble spirit was evident in all he did. He genuinely loved his children and grandchildren and was proud of each of their individual accomplishments. His deep and abiding desire to touch the hearts and lives of children and families in the classroom with the love of Jesus was evident in all that he did. His mentoring and example have enriched the lives and careers of many teachers and community leaders. We give thanks for his faith and life in Jesus Christ; his ministry driven mind-set; and a desire to impact children and families eternally with the love of Jesus. As he breathed his last breath, Darrell was welcomed into the realms of heaven and heard those words he longed to hear from Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your Master’s happiness.”

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel, at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 8601 Chimney Rock Road in Houston.

A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m., also at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow in the gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 8601 Chimney Rock, Houston, Texas, 77096 or by clicking here, https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=98715 (select tithes and offerings) and memo: Darrell Schepmann funeral.

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