T. Darrell Dame (Lebanon)'s Obituary
After 92 years of life Darrell Dame passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, at
his daughter’s home in Lebanon, Missouri. Burial will take place at New Hope Cemetery in Long Lane, Missouri.
Born October 24, 1932, to Tayola Macintosh and Naomi Ruth Wilson Dame,
Darrell grew up in rural Missouri during the Great Depression, an experience that
shaped his grit, appreciation of friends and family, and mindset of gratitude. He
attended Gannon Elementary and graduated from Phillipsburg High School, where
he played basketball and began several lifelong friendships.
On July 29, 1952, he married Juanita Tibbs, and together they built a life and a
family.
Determined to provide a strong and stable future for his family, Darrell began his
career as an apprentice at Detroit Tool before working for Union Tool and
eventually spending 32 years at Twin City Tool and Die where he was proud to
work on various research and development projects for the U.S. space program.
More than a machinist — Paw was the man you could count on—the one who
showed up, who fixed what was broken, led by example, and remained humble
through it all. A true Renaissance man, Darrell’s interests and abilities were far
reaching. He was a gardener, a naturalist, a beekeeper, a fisherman, a lifelong
learner with an impressive memory for names, dates and places, an avid reader, a
dependable friend, and a devout Christian.
His passion for bird hunting spanned more than six decades, returning year after
year to the same stretches of Kansas and Nebraska. He found pleasure in the
patience, skill and sportsmanship required from the endeavor — as well as the
camaraderie he found in the community.
He was also a talented woodworker, especially known for his carved walking
sticks — a much-coveted bingo prize at our family’s annual Apple Butter Daze
event.
Above all, Darrell was a man devoted to his family. He made it no secret that he
adored his four grandchildren, his great-granddaughter, great-nieces and nephews.
In retirement, he and Juanita purchased a farm in Adrian, Missouri, before moving
to Alabama, then Tennessee, and eventually returning to Springfield, Missouri
shortly before Juanita’s passing in 2011.
In 2013, he found companionship again with Nellie Gaye Hickey of McKinney,
Texas, with whom he shared his later years. He is survived by Nellie; his
daughters, Terri and her husband John Hunter of Lebanon, Missouri, Becky and
her husband Kent Barnes of Nashville, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Amanda,
Katherine (Pete), Morgan (Sydney), and Brice (Christin); and his great-
granddaughter, two-month old Chapel — who he was overjoyed to meet just
before his passing. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Shirley Durham and
Connie Ferley, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and several hunting
buddies.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita, his parents, Tayola and Ruth Dame,
and his sister-in-law, Ruth Triplett.
The family extends a special thank you to his wonderful hospice nurses, Tosha,
Laurie, Sara, and Erica for their kindness, compassion, and care in his final days.
To honor Darrell, you can make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital —or
simply spend a day in the great outdoors, fix something that needs mending, or
help someone in need of a hand. His life was well-lived and he will be missed.
Service for Darrell will be Monday, March 31, at 10 a.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 30 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home.
Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery in Long Lane, Missouri.
A memorial has been established to St. Jude’s Hospital and donations may be left at the funeral home.
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