Darrel Clark Puterbaugh

Darrel C. Puterbaugh, 60, of Independence, MO, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, March 9, 2021 at home. Born on November 4, 1960 in Independence, MO to father Arthur and mother Mary Puterbaugh, Darrel was the youngest of 3, siblings Sharon and Douglas. During his childhood he participated in the cub scouts and later Boy Scouts (His father, Arthur would use his cooking experience he picked up at the military to help out at pancake breakfasts.) During his high school years at Van Horn, Darrel played on both the baseball and golf team, and worked and played frequently at the local course. He was able to graduate from Van Horn in 1979 and got started in the Pipe Insulators Union from his neighbor Ben Blair, a union representative for the Local 27. He worked various jobs for the Local 27, including work at Kauffman Stadium waterproofing. In 1988 he met Mike Lillig, who had just started American Systems in 1987 and would work there the rest of his life. Darrel had traveled to more than 40 states while working, but never truly left his home of Independence. He was married at age 24 in 1984 to Betsey Caroll and had one son, James A. Puterbaugh, who has grown to be the spitting image of his father.

Darrel was always eager to teach and show his son a good time whenever he was home and worked hard to provide when he couldn’t be there. He would spend his quieter moments fishing at Smithville and Blue Springs Lake whenever he had a chance. He was an avid reader of mysteries and the paper, and was always happy to catch a stargate marathon on tv. Darrel was a loyal Kansas City Royals and Chiefs fan, never missing a game, always ready with statistics and old stories from all the years he watched. Like His father, Darrel enjoyed going to local swap and shops and flea markets, always looking for sports memorabilia, coins, or anything that caught his attention. Darrel will be remembered as a loving father, a devoted brother, a kind neighbor, and a hard worker.

A visitation will be held from 4-6:00pm on Thursday, March 18, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. in Independence, Missouri. Due to COVID19 restrictions, a private memorial service to honor Darrel will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to be made to the American Heart Association, in Darrel’s honor.