Darrin Morris Williams

Darrin Morris Williams, the cherished son of the late Hansel Morris Williams and Lois Jean (Souders) Williams, was born in Rolla, Missouri on June 11, 1970. Darrin grew up in Owensville, Missouri, where he attended school graduating from Owensville High School with the Class of 1988. Darrin was taught the value of hard work early in life. At age fifteen, he began working at Ramey's Super Market and was promoted to night manager in 1987.

After his time at Ramey's, Darrin moved to Columbia, where he took on managerial roles with Burger King and Circus World. In 1990, he relocated to Topeka, Kansas, continuing as the manager at Circus World until 1993. Returning to Columbia, Darrin managed Suncoast Video and later held positions as an optician at Walmart Vision, Lens Crafters, and Pearl Vision. He also served as a corrections officer for Boone County before embarking on a lengthy and fulfilling IT career at University of Missouri, where he worked for eleven years. Darrin continued his passion for technology at USGS as IT Branch Chief until his early medical retirement.

Darrin professed his faith in Christ early in life. His faith was a guiding light throughout his journey.

Darrin met Deanna Merr´ee Harness, who became not only the love of his life but also his best friend and partner. They were united in marriage on September 29, 2001, in Springfield, Missouri, and shared more than twenty-four years together. Their union was blessed with three precious children, and their home radiated with laughter, joy, fun, and unwavering love. Even through hardships, Darrin and Deanna's devotion to each other, bolstered by their faith in God, helped them persevere through any of life's challenges during their time together.

After work, Darrin found peace and fulfillment in his wood shop, where he designed and built a variety of projects. He also enjoyed painting, and loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He enjoyed travels whenever possible however, what Darrin cherished most was time spent with his loved ones. He was a jokester and known for his infectious humor, a trait inherited from his father, and his ability to make friends easily. Thoughtful, loving, and kind, Darrin was always attentive to those he cared for deeply. Darrin was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, and grandpa, and always so proud of his family.

Darrin took pleasure in cooking special breakfasts for his family and treasured the "sometimes" secret adventures he shared with his mother, Lois, on their spontaneous "Bonnie and Clyde Trips." He also delighted in making her favorite cheesecake, creating moments they both held dear.

On the peaceful morning of Sunday, January 11, 2026, Darrin was promoted to his Heavenly home, surrounded by his loving supportive family. He departed this life at the age of fifty-five, after a brave, courageous battle with cancer.

Darrin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ervin and Minnie Souders, and Ernest and Virginia Williams; his beloved father, Hansel "Morris" Williams (2021); and his dear sister, Tami Caye Hoskins (2017); and his father-in-law, James Harness.

Darrin leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. He is survived by his devoted and beloved wife, Deanna Williams of Columbia, MO; his three children, Ashley (Williams) Secundino (Steve), and Kristopher Williams all of Columbia, MO, and Jeffrey Williams (Jennifer) of Mexico, MO; 7 grandchildren, Dakota, Julian, Angelica, Ayden, Olivia, Juniper, and Joey. He is also survived by his mother, Lois Williams of Columbia, MO; mother-in-law, Lucy Garrett of Springfield, MO; brothers-in-law, Keith Hoskins of Columbia, MO, and Diamond Collins of Springfield, MO; sisters-in-law, Jillian Schaffer (Ryan) of Springfield, MO, and Ashleigh Pegelo (Ryan) of Canada; one niece, and five nephews; honorary family member Richard Shrull; and other relatives and friends who will continue to cherish Darrin's memory.

Our hearts are heavy as we bid farewell to such a wonderful man. However, it is only for a while that we grieve that Darrin is gone from our sight because his beautiful soul now lives on in the presence of God alongside his beloved family who anxiously awaited to greet Darrin Sunday with their big smiles and warm hugs. I can hear his dad say, "Hey Darrin, what took ya so long anyway?" So, until we meet again, know you will be sorely missed and are deeply loved, and we thank you for the wonderful memories you have left us with.

Memorials in honor of Darrin Morris Williams may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and may be left at the funeral home.

Services are under the direction of Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert, Waynesville, Missouri.