Darrell Wiswell

Darrell L. Wiswell passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on September 6, 2025, at Bethel Home in Montezuma. He was born on September 28, 1932, to John Leslie and Loula (Odneal) Wiswell on the family farm in Seward County, south of Sublette.

Darrell began his education in a country school before attending Sublette High School, where he was affectionately known as "Shiner" by his classmates. He graduated in 1950. After high school, he worked in the family business before being called to duty into the United States Army. He served during the final years of the Korean War and was honorably discharged.

Upon returning to Sublette, Darrell met the love of his life, Jennie Fern Frank. The two eloped to Albuquerque, New Mexico, on January 3, 1956, and together they built a beautiful life and raised three children: Chester, Edward, and Carolyn.

Darrell farmed for many years in Haskell County, and his passion for agriculture eventually led him and his family on an incredible journey to Brazil in 1968, where they operated a ranch near the Cuiaba River. Despite the adventure, the pull of family and the Kansas plains brought them back home. There, Darrell opened and operated Wiswell Mechanical Service, a business that reflected his love for people and service.

Later, Darrell and Jennie managed Public Storage facilities in San Antonio and Denver, before once again returning to western Kansas. There they welcomed hunters from across the country into their home, cooking meals and sharing fellowship. Darrell took joy in praying with guests before meals, openly living out and sharing his deep faith in God. They hosted many missionaries and held many Bible studies in their home. He was a devoted member of the churches where he lived and served as a deacon and youth group sponsor.

Family time was central to Darrell's life. He created lasting memories through countless fishing and camping trips, passing along a legacy of outdoor adventures that spans generations. After retiring, Darrell and Jennie moved to Shell Knob, Missouri, where they managed Quail Cove Resort on Table Rock Lake for a few years before fully retiring.

Darrell is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Jennie of Montezuma; sons, Chester (Brona) Wiswell of Montezuma and Ed (Sandra) Wiswell of Ponca City, Oklahoma; daughter, Carolyn (Chester) Mayhew of Shell Knob, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Amber (Shane) Meister, Todd (Ashley) Wiswell, Blake (Shyree) Wiswell, Lara (Ryan) Evans, Jennifer (Jonathan) Luth, Chester Edward (Perla) Mayhew, Kayla (Aaron) Grimm, and Suzanna (Mitchell) Paneno; and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Carl Wiswell; and sisters, Lena Wiswell, Alma Leona Burr, Leora Williams, and Georgia Trahern.

Darrell will be remembered for his faith, his love for family, his generosity toward others, and the many lives he touched through his warmth and friendship.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Montezuma Community Center. A graveside service and burial will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Banner Cemetery, south of Sublette with Pastor David Erwin presiding and military honors by KSARNG and Southwest Kansas Veterans Funeral Honors. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethel Home or Christ Church of Haskell County in Sublette. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.