Darren Robert Makovec

Darren Robert Makovec’s life began on October 29th, 1964, in Marion, KS. He was the first son of Robert and Carol Makovec. Growing up near Ramona, he attended St. John’s Catholic Church in Pilsen through his younger years and graduated from Centre High School in 1983. Darren married Vicki Alvarez in 1984, and they had two boys, Justin and Ryan. Their time together, though brief, was significant. After Vicki’s passing, he was fortunate to find love again. He married Amy Miller in 1996. With their marriage, he gained two daughters, Dana and Ellie. Their family became complete with the birth of their third daughter, Shelby, in 1997.

Even as a young boy, Darren never shied away from hard work. He spent many hours working the fields with his grandpa, dad, and brother. During lambing season, he and Mark were up at night tending to the animals. Hard work was always balanced with play. Many nights under the yard light, Mark and Darren would take part in a competitive game of some sort. Darren even devised a little golf course by using tuna cans and a croquet mallet. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting turtles, or rescuing baby birds and rabbits when he wasn’t working. His soft heart and passion to help remained with him for the rest of his life.

As an adult, Darren was well known to the community for being our dependable propane and fuel deliverer. He was always willing to deliver after hours or on holidays if someone needed propane, all with a smile on his face. In addition, he served on the Centre Education Foundation, the Lost Springs Fire Board, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. All these things were a testament to his selflessness and commitment to his community. To know Darren was to know a friend. His easy, caring personality and his genuine interest in people was a gift shared by all who knew him.

Darren was an avid sports lover with his favorite times being spent playing (and winning!) softball tournaments with the Makovec family. He captained many family teams with his unique combination of athleticism and friendly competitiveness. As a lifelong Cougar fan, he was often on the sidelines, in the bleachers, or even standing in that particular spot in the doorway.

He was never prouder than when he became a grandpa. From that time forward, he was never seen without a baby in his arms. Whether he was at a family gathering, a school event, or at church, each new grandchild found a safe perch in Grandpa’s arms. The loyalty and pride of his family, community, and church were evident in his entire life.

Darren was preceded in death by his late wife, Vicki, grandparents John and Irma Reznicek, and grandparents Albert and Pauline Makovec. He is survived by his wife, Amy, his children Dana (Matt) Gray, Justin Makovec, Ryan (Dani) Makovec, Ellie Miller, Shelby (Grant) Srajer, his twelve grandchildren: Addie, Alex, Scarlet, Evan, Torri, Veyda, Hazel, Leo, Calvin, Kobe, Opal, and Jovie, his parents Carol and Bob, and his four siblings Colleen (Randy) Klug, Mark Makovec, Robyn (Troy) Heitfield, and Jenny (Paul) Forrester.

Darren died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday evening, July 17th, 2025.

Visitation: Wednesday, July 23rd from 4-6 PM at Yazel Megli Funeral Home in Herington, KS

Rosary: Wednesday, July 23rd at 7 PM at St. John’s Catholic Church in Pilsen, KS

Funeral: Thursday, July 24th, at 10:30 AM in Pilsen, followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Darren will then be laid to rest at Delavan Cemetery in Delavan, KS.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Centre Education Foundation Scholarship or the Father Kapaun Legacy Fund.