Darryl Bueker

Darryl Edwin Bueker, 74, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at Brookdale Leawood State Line in Leawood, Kansas, surrounded by his family, after a courageous five-year battle with Alzheimer's and Lewy Body Dementia on July 11, 2025.
Darryl was born on October 6, 1950, in Washington, Missouri, to Edwin and Leona Bueker. He attended St. Francis Borgia High School before graduating from Southwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Management. While at SMSU, he was a proud member and Treasurer of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He earned the prestigious Balfour Award and, most importantly, met the love of his life, Marilyn Wilson.
Darryl and Marilyn were married on October 18, 1975, raising eyebrows and making history by hosting the first wedding reception at the Clinton Country Club to serve alcohol-an unforgettable beginning to a marriage full of love, laughter, and meaningful memories.
Darryl began his career at BKD in June 1973 and spent over four decades with the firm as a CPA and partner, where he specialized in senior living and long-term care. He brought dedication, integrity, and deep expertise to his work, earning the trust of clients and colleagues alike.
He was also a proud member of the Founders Club of Missouri State University and a member of Hickory Hills Country Club, where he built cherished friendships and shared countless memories with those closest to him.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Darryl was deeply committed to his community. He served as President of the Springfield Girls Club, was a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield and also served on the board of The Friends of the Zoo. His leadership and generosity touched countless lives and reflected his strong belief in giving back.
A devoted sports fan, Darryl cheered loudly and proudly for the Missouri State Bears-serving for many years as a Papa Bear booster-as well as for Notre Dame, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the University of Kansas. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of sports statistics and built an impressive collection of sports memorabilia over the years.
Beyond his career and community service, Darryl was most at home at Table Rock Lake, where he enjoyed golf cart rides with his grandkids and sunset beers on the boat with family and friends. He also treasured family vacations to Marco Island, Cancun, Hilton Head, and Hawaii-each one filled with laughter and lasting memories.
Darryl's greatest joy in life was his role as husband, dad, and "Pops." He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Marilyn of Springfield, Missouri; daughter Sarah Richardson (Paul) of Prairie Village, Kansas, and their children Georgia Claire, Ava, and Mia; and son Jason Bueker (Elise) of Leawood, Kansas, and their children Livi, Hayes, and Reese. He also leaves behind his brother David Bueker (Patti), nephew Jeff Hellebusch (Dana), niece Julie Agles (Steve), and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Leona Bueker; his sister, Marilyn Hellebusch, and her husband, Butch, all of Washington, Missouri.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Brookdale Leawood State Line for their compassionate care, and to the Hospice nurses from Brighton who supported Darryl and the family during his final days.
As Darryl always said, "Life is a journey," and he lived his to the fullest-with humor, heart, and unwavering love for his family.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15th from 4:30–6:30 PM at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole St., Springfield, MO 65804. The visitation will be followed by a private burial on Wednesday at Englewood Cemetery in Clinton, Missouri.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Springfield, Missouri at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Darryl's memory to MSU Foundation c/o Men's Basketball, Meyer Alumni Center, Suite 200, 300 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806.