Darrell Klein Obituary
Darrell was born in Jefferson City, Missouri on October 9, 1943 to Lenora and Leonard Klein.
Darrell grew up in Jefferson City. He graduated from Jefferson City High school in 1961. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1965. He married Sally Goodin in October 1966. Darrell was a mechanical engineer starting his career in St. Louis and then moving to Springfield, Missouri where he retired. He raised his family in Springfield, Missouri. He was a member of King's Way Methodist church. Known for his big heart and his great sense of humor, he leaves behind a legacy of love and joy that will forever warm the hearts of those who knew him.
With his remarkable gift of gab and an effortless ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he met-from lifelong friends to complete strangers-he brought warmth, connection, and a genuine interest in others to every encounter. His greatest joy in life were his grandchildren. He loved spending time with his grandkids and giving them life advice. He also enjoyed spending time on his back porch with his great buddy Jimmy Clark.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sally Klein; his two children, Jason and his wife Bobbi, daughter Amy Sanders and her husband Brock. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Manon Klein, Harlow Klein, Cavanaugh Klein, Jack (Emillia) Sanders, and Brody Sanders. He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Lenora Klein, and his brother Ron Klein.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Dan Bekebrede
January 14, 2026
I started working with Darrell when I first started at DAYCO in 1972. He and I had desks 3 feet apart for a number of years. Darrell was always full of life, always laughing and kidding with people. Unfortunately once I moved from Springfield I didn´t see much of him. He was a great man and I´m sure everyone will miss him.
Stan Berry
January 12, 2026
I did not know Darrell had been ill. He was a great person. I will forever remember him. He was not only a great friend, but a great engineer, one of the best I ever had during my 37 years with DAYCO. I am having medical problems so I will not be able to attend his services Saturday. I will be there in spirit. My condolences to all of Darrell's family.
Rose McMurtry
January 11, 2026
Sally, Jason & Bobbi, Amy & Brock and families.
I have all of you in my thoughts and prayers. We were very close to Darrell and his brother, Ron, when they were growing up. We enjoyed so many good times with them. So many special memories. It was Darrell who actually got me set up with a computer after Pete died. He went with me to buy it, set it up, and said GOOD BYE! I had to bumble my way through, but that sure helped me to fill my days.
I will be thinking about you, especially in the coming days. We´ll remember the good times of a Great Guy.
Doris Eggers
January 11, 2026
Please accept our sympathy. Darrell was a cousin. Sorry to say, over the years we´ve drifted somewhat apart. We were so close to him and his family growing up. I have to say, his death came as a surprise, as I didn´t realize he was ill. Growing up, his greatest pass time was aggravating and teasing me. He had the biggest heart, and would do absolutely anything for us. I have many great memories and funny stories involving him.
Sally, Jason, Amy and family. Please know that you are in our prayers. We´ll be unable to make the service, but you are In our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Doris and David Eggers
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