Darrell Dean Moran, 77, of Belton, Missouri, will be remembered at a Celebration of Life service at 1:00pm at the McGilley and George Funeral Home (611 Chestnut, Belton, MO 64012 on Saturday, January 7th.
Darrell was born on January 20th, 1945 to Robert Melvin Moran and Clara (Patterson) Moran of Harveyville, KS. Darrell was the youngest of four siblings who preceded him in death: Viola “Marie” Christiason, Robert Eugene “Gene” Moran, Clara “Marlene” Creitz.
Darrell was known as “Speedy Gonzales” because he was always on the move and drove his cherished ’57 Chevy and later a ’62 Impala Super Sport in local drag races. Darrell’s love of cars and racing continued throughout his life. He was a big fan of Jeff Gordon and loved going to the Nascar races when the track opened in Kansas City, KS.
After Darrell graduated from Harveyville High School in 1962, he married Janet Dunn. That marriage ended in divorce after the birth of two sons, Duane (June 6, 1968) and Robert “Robbie” (Sept. 17, 1970). The boys were adopted by their new step-father when Janet remarried and they now have the last name of Lewis.
Darrell moved to Belton, MO in the 70’s for a new start and to be close to his sister, Marie and his niece and nephew, Sheryl and Terry. He started working at a lumber company in Belton. On May 27th, 1977 Darrell married the love of his life, Sandra Kay Tharp. Sandra had a son, Chris Lyons.
Sandra and Chris both preceded Darrell in death. Sandra passed in 2008 and Chris in 2012.
After the lumber company moved, Darrell started working for the Mount Pleasant Township Special Road District in 1989. Before long he became the Superintendent and according to former co-workers, Darrell was the most skilled and talented operator of the big equipment like the motor grader and backhoe. He worked for the township for 30 years as superintendent before retiring in 2019.
In addition to racing, Darrell loved fishing, his dogs Buddy Roo and Lucky Dog, and after he retired, he loved mowing and keeping his yard in pristine condition. He would meet up with other retired friends at the Family Cabin Restaurant and stop by the township for an occasional visit. He gardened and grew amazing tomatoes and cucumbers that he liked to share with others, and he enjoyed eating burnt ends at Sneads Barbecue restaurant.
Please join us in celebrating the life of a special and talented man. He will forever be missed by family, friends, neighbors, and former co-workers.
A celebration of life for Darrell will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at McGilley & George Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 611 Chestnut, Belton, MO 64012.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleygeorgebelton.com for the Moran family.
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