Darrell Wayne Kelso

Darrell Wayne Kelso, 63, of Warrensburg, MO, passed away at his home on the morning of April 9, 2023, with his family by his side.

Born November 11, 1959, in Windsor, MO, he was the son of Joyce and Irvin Kelso. Darrell was adventurous as a young child, and seemed to have no fear. His love of racing started at an early age. With the help of his father, he built a wooden race car and won first place in the local Pine Derby. Darrell was a proud Higginsville Husker and enjoyed keeping up with his school classmates and attending reunions.

Darrell married the love of his life, Tresa (Kresse), on December 31, 1982. He spent most of his professional career as a telecommunications specialist, where he traveled around the United States and enjoyed many beautiful views climbing high towers. Later in his career, he worked on the ground as a project manager.

Darrell’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and friends. He was a very proud papa to six grandchildren. For hobbies, you would find Darrell spending time outdoors fishing, watching racing or car shows, or in his garage shop working on his go-kart preparing for his next race. He loved to attend the Batesville Thanksgiving Race in Mississippi annually with his friends. He was a huge fan of NASCAR and all things sweet or spicy (the hotter the better, sweat included!). He was known to be clever and especially loved being a jokester and pulling pranks on those he loved.

Survivors include his wife Tresa of the home; four children: Shane Kelso (Brandi) of Gardner, KS, Brittany Sumner (Josh) of Sedalia, MO, Brooke Owens (Taylor) of Knob Noster, MO and Breanna Kelso (Marvin) of Odessa, MO; father Irvin Kelso of
Higginsville, MO; sister Denise Pahmeyer (Bill) of Plattsburg, MO; six grandchildren; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Kelso (Kelly).

A celebration of life will be held on June 10th, 2023 at 1 PM at Vetter’s Place in Higginsville, MO.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the family. To honor Darrell’s green thumb and love for plants, the family kindly requests potted plants in lieu of cut flowers.