Darrel Calvin Driver

Darrel Calvin Driver, age 90, of Wynot, Nebraska, died on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Avera Majestic Bluffs Assisted Living in Yankton, South Dakota surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, August 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family (Sacred Heart) Catholic Church in Wynot with the Rev. Jim Keiter officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wynot with military honors provided by the Wynot American Legion Post #31. Visitation will be on Sunday, at church, from 3-5:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington, Nebraska.

Pallbearers are his grandsons: Jamie Kathol, Curtis Kathol, Aaron Fuelberth, Alec Fuelberth, Jared Fuelberth, Brett Lunz, Ryan Lunz, Drew Lunz, Lane Driver and Luke Driver. Honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters: Dana Marsh, Ashley Miner, Laurel Warriner, Grace Driver and Elsie Driver.

Darrel C. Driver was born December 12, 1933, in Lindy, Nebraska, to Arthur and Ellen (McFarland) Driver. He attended school in St. James through the 8th grade, then graduated from Wynot High School in 1951. The next two summers he farmed, then moved to Sioux City during the winters to work at the Swift packing plant. In 1953, he drove a new Thunderbird out to California for a local car dealership then stayed with family friends to work at Consolidated Western Steel for the winter. He returned to Nebraska to continue farming until he was drafted in 1956. He was stationed in Germany where he served as a mechanic, servicing army tanks. He was discharged home in 1958 and returned to farming. He farmed with his brother Larry in Brooky Bottom until 1969. From 1970 until 1975 the family lived in Wynot, while he continued to farm. In 1975, he purchased the farm east of Wynot and continued farming until his farm sale in 2008. Darrel and Anne moved to Majestic Bluffs Assisted Living in 2021.

Darrel would often say “I don’t need much.” He was a simple man who enjoyed everyday pleasures, especially good ice cream. Nothing made him happier than seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an avid story teller, and would share a story with everyone he met. 

Darrel was a member of the Sacred Heart parish in Wynot, and a member of the American Legion. Darrel was especially proud to have served on the Cedar Security bank board for 50 years. He was a loyal supporter of Wynot High School athletics and participated for several years in the Tri-State Old Iron tractor rides. He was also well known for his generous contributions to the “local library fund”, which were well documented in the local newspaper.

Survivors include his wife, Anne Driver of Wynot, Nebraska; four children: Julie (Troy) Fuelberth of Hartington, Nebraska; Jean (Tim) Kathol of Bow Valley, Nebraska; Dale (Christina) Driver of Wynot, Nebraska; and Nancy (Keith) Lunz of Laurel, Nebraska; 15 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren with two on the way; four siblings: Shirley Gowery of Wynot; Larry (JoAnn) Driver of Wynot; Wanda Branson of Scottsdale, Arizona; and Dennis (Jan) Driver of Altoona, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, James; sister, Phyllis Schwartz; brothers-in-law: Harley Gowery and Bill Branson; sister-in-law, Carolyn Driver; parents-in-law, Gus and Laura Beste and brother-in-law, LeRoy Beste.