Truly an approachable, kind, gracious, welcoming individual in the community.

Mike's was a class act business personality and genuine character. One of the kindness unique individual to have as a friend. Our condolences to the family.

Mike was a fun next-door neighbor to our family, I would help him with his home computer when problems came up (a lot!), and our parents used to eat at Coaches every week, way back in the 90s. Our dad used to tease Mike all the time about having no dessert items on the menu, so one time when Mike saw them coming in, he ran down the street to the grocery store, bought some fancy ice cream, and just served it to them without a word after dinner. Mike always took great care of our family, setting up our large parties in the back room, whether for a joyous family celebration or as a gathering spot for not-so-joyous ones. Mike always had good wishes and kind words for us.
You will be missed friend, by all the Gonterman kids - Tom, Marty, Pam, Kathy, and Bill, and we have made a donation to Hope Center in your honor.

We pray that we we can understand what we are given. Sean & Cathy Mulcahy.

I first met Mike when we were 14 years old. He was like the junior mayer of Visitation parish. I had  just arrived  from Lawrence Kansas and already knew many parishioner families already from my parents school associations. Mike took me under his wing, introduced me to life from his vision of Visitation School life! He was a spectacular guide, a wonderful friend and he taught me about big city life in an innocent way. We rode bikes and walked through Loose and the plaza in great and bad weather. We ate stale  animal crackers till we were full! He was kind and taught me an immense  amount regarding connecting with other people. He was charming and an immense influence in my youmg life, especially to this new city. We once talked about delevoping our  friendship into a boyfriend/girlfriend kinship. We both agreed thar "you"ll have to sweep me off my feet." He responded .. ""You will have to also,"  He found a push broom at my moms house, and we laughed and laughed unable to sweep each other off our  feet! You kids had a great kind dad, your mom was lucky enough to marry him. Bonnie, you were a total crackup and thank you for the great left handed golf tips you taught me when I was young.  God bless you Mike.                                                                                                                                          
      Cathy Mulcahy

There are so many wonderful memories that our families shared throughout the years. These continued whenever we ate at Coach's. Definitely a loss for us, but a gain for heaven's bountiful kitchen. With special thoughts and prayers for Bonnie.

I'm listening to Rawhide and Battle of New Orleans in honor of Mike.  

Got to know Mike as for 18 years after my wife had a massive heart attack.  The cardiac care nurse at St Joseph's Medical Center introduced me to Coach's as the Illinois Fan's Watch Party site for football and basketball games.  Mike when come by and engage conversation with me and our Illini fans asking questions about our team having knowledge of our players even though he was a Missouri Tiger fan, a rival of the Illini.  He had a way of talking to you as if you were the only one around.  That was one of his many gifts.

Once I joined Prospectors I was so blessed to get to know Multiple Mike.  Will always cherish those memories.

Mike and I met because of bicycling. While, I didn't know him well, I could tell he was a kind and generous heart. 

I'm so sad about his death. My deepest condolences to his family.

To Bonnie, Mikes mother our thoughts are with you from your "golfing girlfriends " at Drumm Farm our thoughts are with you if there is anything we can do we are here for you.
Jacki Kendall

I remember Mike from Coach's . I worked for his brother Billy at His restaurant in Prairie Village. Both of them were very nice to me and I had a great time during my teenage years. I learned the value of hard work and thank the Darby family for being good to me as I was growing up. So saddened by the news.

Brian, sorry to hear about your Dad. Sending my sympathies.
Dalton Mispagel

I never knew Mike, but we were cousins ... his father was my grandmother's (Anne Elizabeth Darby) brother. I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. 

I remember Mike well although I was closer to Dave. Dave was the Mayor of Visitation School, he was an incredible man, athlete, leader, and friend. I was in K.C. several years back for Fred Wyrsch's memorial and stopped in Coaches on my way out of town. Sadly Mike wasn't in and we missed each other. He was everything his brother was only younger. Now every time I hear Darby, I'll think of you both, keeping everyone in Heaven honest! Rest in Peace Mike....

As a fellow cyclist, I met Mike only once, but remember being so impressed with his 'goodness.' I could tell what a wonderful person he was during our brief conversation.

I'm very sorry to learn of his passing and extend my condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.

I am very shocked and saddened to learn of Mike's passing. I worked at Coach's years ago and so enjoyed working on Taco Tuesdays!  Mike taught me perseverance, hard work and how to have fun and enjoy serving people.  He will be sorely missed by so many. Your family, friends and Coach's family will be in my prayers. Thank you for blessing all of us.

I worked for Mike in 1988 and will always remember him coming around the bar singing Maggie May (Rod Stewart)  Such a cool guy!

Although I didn't know Mike very well, I know Brian, Alison and Jennifer, his children.  For me, they are a testament to Mike because they are three wonderful people.  They gave Mike nine beautiful grand children, so Mike will live on though them. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to his family as they mourn their loss.

My husband & I have been going to Coaches for 25 years.  Mike was one of the nicest men, always had a smile for each and everyone he passed. Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for his family and his work family, he will be missed by all who came in contact with him.

We first met in the old Granfalloon, long ago. He never failed to have a smile on his face and a good word for all. Such a senseless tragedy. Thoughts and prayers to the family

A man who always had a smile on his face and a kind word for all.  He will be missed.  
Sherri Becker and Bill Coleman

Mike served me last time i was there on 1st date w Ann on the patio one Monday, and will forever be sorry not to see him there next time...

While I only met Mike a few times through my good friends the Steinigers, I knew him to be kind and thoughtful...a truly giving soul.  My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his entire family and his many friends and my prayers remain with all. God's peace to you.

My heart and prayers go out to Mike's family, friends and employees, past & present.  Only know Mike as a regular customer at Coach's, but it was obvious he was energetic, enthusiastic and a wonderful human being.  The world has lost a great soul.  God bless.

We at Capwest Home Loans are so very sorry for your loss, all our thoughts and prayers with your family.
Your Capwest family

So sad to lose such a good guy. Condolences to the entire extended family. Maybe we can let the memory of Mike be a reminder to all of us to be kind and good to each other.

Prayers and peace for the family, Chrissy and all Darby friends (which are many).  I hope it is a little comforting to see the outpouring of love for such a good man.

Mike's smile with a friendly wave and hello along with his sweet dogs satie and Coach was the way I started most of my work days! Mike was such a bright light in so many lives, my work mornings will never be the same. I loved his light heartedness,energy  and his big smile he seemed to have for everyone. He touched so many people's lives and burrowed so deeply in everyone's hearts who knew him. No matter if he met you in the parking lot, in the restaurant or helping with his community,Mike would forever leave his imprint in their hearts some way or another. I would often think to myself that this world would be so much better if we all could be like Mike Darby, I know I would! Please watch over your faimily and help guide Chrissy through this horrific time. R.I.P. Mike, be free, be happy be peaceful.

Lisa Bowen

My condolences and prayers to the family of Mike.  We were high school classmates and Mike always had a kind word and smile for you.  May perpetual light shine upon him.

Mike was a good guy, some of my best memories of him were when I painted house's with him in the summer, and going to the Frisbe tournaments. My wife loved those tournaments and your family, He will always be in my prayers.

Our prayer to the Darby family.



Gene & Patty Propp

So sorry for your loss. We did not know Mike but we love Coach's and visiting with Brian. Your family is in our prayers.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We are praying for the Darby family.

I have not seen Mike in 20 years and just heard the news... terrible news.  I have great memories of the Frisbee tournaments and the fun times at Coaches.  I will never understand why such a kind spirit was taken from us but am comforted by all the lives Mike touched in his time with us.  I know that Mike is in a good place and my prayers are with the Darby family.  I spent much of my childhood in your house and love you all.
Billy Waers

I'm so sorry and he was so loved by all who knew him.  He was one of my brother Charlie Livers friends. We all just adored him. I saw him around town varies times and places thru the years. He was just a gem.  I was always so happy to see him.  I.m So saddened by his passing.   God bless him. Peace be with your family during this time.   Luv,. Liza Ashner.

To the Darby Family,
Mike Darby was a kind, funny, thoughtful and sincere person. I hope he will be a reminder to each and every one of us to be good to each other.
May he rest in peace!
My sincere condolences,
Carol Meunier

My deepest sympathy to all of your family. Words can't express such a loss but I know he is having a great time with his Dad and David. He and David were taken too soon but wil continue to watch over their loved ones. David still has a special place in my heart as all of the Darby family do

Prayers for the Darby family and their friends. I had the pleasure of getting to know Mike while working at Coachs. May he Rest In Peace!

So, so sad. Love and prayers to all his family and friends.

Mike was a great guy! Always loved seeing him at Coaches! RIP

Darby Family,

We have had the blessing of enjoying Mike and the atmosphere he worked so hard to create for three decades; grew up with the Irelands and always tossed stories back and forth about that; and now honor him as he makes his journey Home, he was totally a class act person and someone who has left his mark on many, many people.  Evil lurks in our world, even the kindest cannot avoid it, but thank God for those of good heart...Mike was truly one of them!!

God Bless You!

Dan & Dee French Family

God Love Mike Darby, and may he Rest in peace with all of the love he shared his entire life...Amen!!

We only knew Mike for a short time but in that time we came to see him as a man who was committed to his family, friends and community.  He enjoyed everything he did and he did more than his share of reaching out and sharing and giving. He will be missed for his smile, his joy for life and he put the "gentle" in gentleman.

Mike, you were loved by all that knew you.  I was proud to call you my friend.  May you Rest in Peace.

Please send my heartfelt prayers to this family !!! My Momma & Mikes Momma were best friends for over 70 years !  How they loved to go to Coaches & see Mike !!!  I Lost my momma Mary Matthews in a day ...  Feb.2014  so she's there waiting to chat him up ! Send my Love to Miss Bonnie .  God Bless All Your Broken Hearts......... What a Special Angel Our Lord has now !!!

I have known Mike Darby for over 30 years. I met him through my aunt, Chris Carle. Then my boys got to know Darby. We have always loved him. So much fun to be around, always smiling and laughing. I truly can say we have lost a friend, that we have loved like family. God has gained an amazing angel. We have lost an amazing friend we considered to be part of our family. We love you Darby. 
Tara, Christopher, and Patrick

We all have wonderful Mike Darby memories. We want to remember :
- Mike at the Frisbee tournaments.
- Offering root beer schnapps shots to the Waers family after dinner at Coaches.
- Running down the hall in a firemans hat at Memorah Hospital to cheer up Val Waers. By the way this caused a small panic with the staff.
- Stopping in for a spur of the moment visit with Agnes Waers.
- We probably should not bring up the card games, may start a debate.
Our best to the entire Darby clan( family, in laws and out laws)
Mike you were a good friend.
Murry Ann and Bill Waers

The English vocabulary does not have a word to describe the truly Christian man, Mike Darby.   We have used all the words we can think of but we fall short to describe this Giant among men.  The next best step is to take what MIke has given and shown us and try to emulate him the best we can.  
Mike, not only did you talk the talk, you also walked the walk.  Very few people can.
Thank you, the world is a better place because of you.
Love and prayers for you and your family.

I'm so sorry Brian and Kristie. My heart goes out to you and all the family. Praying for you all.

Louise Mendoza

Mike was such a great person. i did not see Mike often after high school as i live out of town. He was a very enthusiastic person, always had a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all of his many friends.

Such a tragedy for this wonderful man. Our love and prayers to the family.The Weir's

My sympathy for your loss.  May God soften your grief during this difficult time.  Please be comforted in knowing how precious your loved one is in God eyes.    Psalms 116:15

Mike, word came to me by many we new through the business world, after 28 years of knowing you, shock and disbelief shallows me. As I travel the country I have always talked about Coach's and Mike's integrity

Mike Darby was a joyful and kind man. I'm so sorry Chris. I'm so sad for his family. We have lost truly one of the good guys. 

Never was there a more genuine person! Darby made you feel like you were the only person in the room when he talked to you...we've lost a huge light!!!

Mike is the only man that I would wear Mizzou apparel for to run his parking lot on a KU/MU bet. He would give me yellow and black Coach's apparel every Christmas until I took over his beloved Packers fans so he added green finally. He inspired me to rescue my first dog that he let play on the Coach's patio when you could still smoke inside the bar. He would put MU Tiger stickers on my Jeep Wrangler and it would take me forever to find them all. We were rivals within universities but lifelong friends.  To say that he will be greatly missed is an understatement; he is a man that cannot be replaced.

Mike wasn't just my boss, he was family. I will never forget you...especially the  animal cracker stealing...now who is going to steal my bag of animal crackers?! 

The Coach's family loves you Mike.

Darby always ALWAYS had a smile for everyone. He was one of those people who truly lit up a room. He shall be very missed by very many.

Mike's energy and humor will be greatly missed throughout the KC cycling community! 

Condolences to his family and the Coach's community.

Please know my sorrow for your loss and that you're in my prayers.

How shocked and sad I am to learn of Mike's death and how sorry I am for all of the Darby family.  Mike was always so kind when I would see him and I loved catching up on what was going on with everyone.

May the memories that you created during Mike's life bring you comfort.  My sympathy and prayers will be with you.

Mike, 
You will truly be missed my friend. I will miss seeing your smile at Coach's. The cycling community has lost a great leader in Kansas City!

Mike was a great human being.  Everyone that knew Darbs, said the same thing: what a genuine human being.  He always was thinking of others.  He always was there to give a hand.  He will be sorely missed.  Condolences to the great Darby clan.

OBITUARY

Michael K. Darby

September 30, 1955 – May 18, 2017

McGilley State Line Chapel

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