Darrell L. Bybee

NEWTON-Bybee, Darrell L. A longtime aspiring entrepreneur, entered into eternal life on April 24, 2016, in Newton, Kansas, at 62 years of age. He was born on July 16, 1953 at St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas, to the late Arthur E. and Marvelle L. Bybee. He married the love of his life, Christina M. McElroy on September 12, 1998 in Longton, Kansas. Darrell was dedicated and passionate about life. He made a success of everything he attempted. This was apparent in the work he chose. He owned and operated Bybee Excavating for 20 years, employed 18 years with Learjet; two of those years he maintained both jobs at the same time. Darrell raised a variety of farm animals. Upon retirement, Darrell continued working from sun up to sun down on his farm, finding some time to rest, but not often as hobbies kept him busy. He was an extraordinary pigeon fancier, with a love for the sport. He was a master handler. He held memberships with the Wichita Homing Club along with the American Racing Pigeon Union. He was a mechanic by nature and enjoyed fixing cars, tractors, planes, and go carts. He enjoyed building and racing dirt super modified race cars. Darrell also built go carts that were sold all over the United States. Darrell was a man of many talents, and surprises. He was outgoing and always smiling. It will be that big, warm friendly smile that will be greatly missed by his friends and family. He was a caring and fun loving man that fought a good fight and never gave up. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Mark David Pacheo. Survivors include wife, Christina; two sons, Darrell Joseph Bybee of Wichita, Jared Lee Bybee of the home; daughter Catherine Suzanne Szager and husband, Kenneth Robert Szager of Los Angeles, CA; two brothers, Charles A. Bybee and wife, Susan of Maize, Raymond E. Bybee and wife, Debbie of Goddard; sister, Linda Bybee of Wichitaa; four grandchildren, Colin J. Bybee, Maison A. Szager, Emilee E. Szager and Sofia A. Bybee; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. A Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at the First Baptist Church, 200 W. 6th St., Newton, Kansas. Darrell's final resting place will be the Bybee Farm. Memorials may be made to the Darrell L. Bybee Memorial Fund, c/o Midland Bank, 527 N. Main, or the funeral home, at 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Kansas, 67114.