Darrell F. Larson

Darrell Franklyn Larson passed away Wednesday August 20, 2025 at Good Samaritan Society-Valley Vista, Wamego, Kansas at the age of 92.

He was the son of Franklin F. Larson and Zella M. Barckley. Darrell was born on September 19, 1932 at his Grandmother Larson’s farm in rural Olsburg, Kansas. He attended Olsburg Schools and graduated with the class of 1950.

Growing up Darrell loved farm life and always had a pony to ride. Darrell liked to build things and helped in the construction of K-13 Highway and later he helped build several houses and apartments in Manhattan and he built all the pens and corrals at the Riley County Fair Grounds. He also helped build Jeffery Energy Center and then after its completion worked in Mechanical Maintenance at the Center. Darrell was a licensed Barber and worked in several shops in Junction City, Manhattan, and Wamego.

Darrell’s hobbies included leather crafts projects. He made numerous belts, billfolds, purses and built a saddle. He also loved to tinker with lawn mowers and you could often find him out in his barn working on them or making attachments for them. Darrell never met a stranger and could talk for hours sharing his many stories of his childhood or pranks that he had pulled.

Darrell met and married the love of his life Carolyn Jolly. They were united in marriage on November 9, 1963 at the Wamego Methodist Church. Darrell often said she was the best thing that ever happened to him. He lovingly took on the task of helping to raise Carolyn’s two children Linda and Don.

Darrell was a member of the Louisville Community Church and a former member of the Masonic Lodge, Odd Fellows Lodge and Dutch Mill Swingers Square Dance Club.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Zella Larson, his wife, Carolyn, and step-son, Don Jolly.

He is survived by his step-daughter, Linda Jolly of Wamego, daughter-in-law Terry Jolly (Rick Shoe) of Glendale, Arizona, and brothers, Nyle (Norma), Max (Rosie) and sister, Marilyn Martin all of Manhattan. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning (August 26, 2025) at 10:30 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego with Pastor Leslye Haller officiating. Burial will be in the Wamego City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday evening (August 25, 2025) from 5:00 to 7:00 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Valley Vista or Elara Caring Hospice. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.