Dale Vernon Darby

            Dale Vernon Darby (age 81) was welcomed to his heavenly home by his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 14, 2023 at his home in Claremore, Oklahoma.

            Born on May 3, 1942 in Independence, Kansas, Dale was the son of Clarence and Jessie (Wilkerson) Darby.  He grew up in his father’s grocery store, Darby’s IGA in Independence.  Anyone old enough to remember the store will remember him, as a boy, out front, in the summer, selling the watermelons that he, his dad, and brother Jim brought up from Texas in their 1958 Chevy 2 ton truck bought especially for that purpose.

            He possessed all the skills of a cowboy, growing up on a horse ranch Northwest of Independence.  His standard attire was boots and a cowboy hat.  Every year, he was part of a group of people who rode their horses in the Neewollah parade representing Darby’s IGA.

            In 1961, Dale graduated from Independence High School. During the early 1960’s, Dale spent a year at Greer Technical School in East Chicago, Indiana to attain a certified welder’s certificate and he also began working at Youngstown Sheet and Tube in Chicago.  Dale worked as a certified welder for several companies in Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma.

            On August 29, 1969, Dale married Joan Elsheimer of Coffeyville, Kansas.

            In 1979,  Dale moved his family from Independence to a 25 acre plot near Cedar Bluff Camp, Indian Village, north of Coffeyville.

            In 1987, Dale obtained an Associate of Applied Science from Coffeyville Community College with an emphasis in computer-aided drafting.  He did some substitute teaching in the area of welding and drafting at the Vocational Technical School in Coffeyville.

            In 1990, Dale started his own business, Darby Hearing Aid Service.  As someone who was hard of hearing himself, he had a unique insight into the needs of the hearing impaired. Through the 1990’s, Dale was a member of the Coffeyville chapter of the Sertoma Club.

            After that, Dale began a career driving a truck all across the continental United States, eventually retiring and then, twenty years later, selling the 25 acres and moving to Claremore, Oklahoma.

            Dale was a lifelong member of Grace Memorial United Methodist Church in Independence, Kansas, serving on the board of trustees, operating the audio equipment, and serving in various other capacities as well.

            From an early age, Dale was an avid chess player, once beating a former state champion in a tournament.

            He will be remembered for his humble, friendly demeanor and his willingness to help anyone who asked.  His devotion to his parents, wife, and children, as well as his Christian faith, was steadfast and unwavering.

            Dale is preceded in death by his parents.

            He is survived by his wife, Joan Darby of Claremore, Oklahoma; son, Neil Darby of Lawrence, Kansas; daughter, Darla Finn of Medina, Ohio; grandchildren Caitlyn and Kaleb Finn; brother, Rev. Dr. James E. Darby of Lenexa, Kansas; several cousins in the Kansas City area and numerous nieces and nephews.

            The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 20^th at Grace Memorial Methodist Church in Independence, Kansas with visitation at 10:00 A.M. followed by the service at 11:00 A.M. and graveside service at Mount Hope Cemetery afterwards.

            There will be an additional memorial service at North Park Trinity Baptist Church in Claremore, Oklahoma on Saturday, July 22^nd at 11:00 A.M.

            Potts Funeral Home in Independence is conducting the arrangements.

            In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to AVOW Hospice of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Grace Memorial United Methodist Church of Independence, Kansas, and North Park Trinity Baptist Church in Claremore, Oklahoma.