Darrell Smith

Darrell was born to Otis Smith and Louise (Pierce) Smith, on July 1, 1965, in Lucedale, Mississippi. He grew up in Hurley, Mississippi, graduating in 1983 from East Central High School before marrying his high school sweetheart, Lesia Williams, on 7/9/1983. Darrell worked in the construction field for his entire career traveling from job site to job site before finally settling with his family in the Kansas City area in 2005.

Darrell loved spending time with family and friends, was an avid hunter, spent countless hours on the golf course, enjoyed watching NASCAR races at the track, spending time on the lake and was a passionate fan of the Chiefs, Royals and his beloved Alabama football team (Roll Tide!).

Darrell was a devoted husband to his wife and an amazing father to his two daughters but his greatest role in life was being Pappy to his three grandchildren, Emery, Bodhi, and Baby Espino, who he loved and adored more than anything in the world. He rarely missed his grandkids events and could be heard loud and clear in the stands for a cheerleading competition, basketball game or baseball tournament.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Otis and Louise, his sister Mary Sue Smith, brothers Otis “Buddy” Smith and H.L. Smith, and sister-in-law Wanda Smith. He is survived by his wife Lesia Smith, daughters Kayla Stawarz (John) and Brittany Espino (Anthony), granddaughter Emery Stawarz, grandson Bodhi Stawarz, in-laws Emery and Ann Williams, brothers Kenneth Smith and Raymond Smith (Lucy), sister Elaine Johnson, sister-in-law Virginia Smith and many nieces and nephews.

Darrell’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 10am to 12:00pm, at Newcomer’s White Chapel Funeral Home located at 6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119.