Darrel J. Randels

Darrel James Randels, 65, of Independence, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, June 21st at at Independence First Church of the Nazarene, In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to help cover funeral expenses memorials may be left with the chapel.

Darrel was born on April 11, 1960, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to Jim and Betty Randels. He was raised in Independence, Kansas, alongside his brother Ed Randels, and though he spent time living in the Kansas City area as an adult, he always found his way back home to Independence.

In 1982, Darrel married Tonya Lou Welch, and together they had two daughters: Kaci Gilchrist (Bobby Koehn) of Independence, KS, and Kayli (Lane) Parker of Bartlesville, OK. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Addison Rosenhoover (Wichita, KS), Raegan Rosenhoover and Josiah Gilchrist (Independence, KS), and Zayden Blackburn, Beckham Parker, and Ryan Kate Parker (Bartlesville, OK).

Darrel studied Math and Religion at MidAmerica Nazarene University and served in the National Guard for six years. He spent most of his career working in the automotive industry, with his longest tenure at Tumminia Ford Lincoln Mazda in Olathe, KS—a place that felt like a second family to him.

He had a lifelong love of trucks, cars, and turning wrenches, and could often be found working on vehicles, fixing things up just for the joy of it. Outside of work, Darrel loved cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and enjoying the outdoors—especially hunting and fishing with his best friend, Steve Vaughn.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Betty Randels, and his brother, Ed Randels. He is survived by his daughters: Kaci and Kayli, grandchildren: Addison, Raegan, Josiah, Zayden, Beckham, and RyanKate, sister-in-law Kathy Randels, niece Nancy Kirk, nephew Josh Randels, and best friend Steve Vaughn. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com