Darren Ray Strother

Darren passed away peacefully in his home September 12, 2012 in Leavenworth, Kansas, at the age of 43. He woke up in the presence of his Lord and in the arms of his mamaw and papaw Slaughter. He is survived by his parents, Charles and Sharon Strother, of Baton Rouge; two brothers, Devon Strother of Baton Rouge and Damon and Celeste Strother and their sons Cameron, Collin and Carson of Lafayette, Louisiana; his former wife, Kristy Strother and daughter Elle Strother of Nortonville, Kansas; and daughter Morgan Schwartz of Joplin, Missouri. Darren was preceded in death by a brother he never knew; his grandparents, Wallace and Georgia Slaughter and Ira and Doris Strother of Baton Rouge; three uncles, Bill Slaughter, Donald Slaughter and Jerry Strother. Darren was a 1987 graduate of Tara High School. He spent a year at LSU cheering for the Tigers, then transferred to Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri and graduated with a degree in Biblical Studies. He preached for a brief period in Shaw, Kansas. He also attended Missouri State University with studies in Psychology. He worked at the Joplin YMCA Children’s Home, The Ozark Center and St. John’s Hospital as a counselor. Darren worked most recently for the Veterans Administration in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was a loving dad to his girls. He spent some of his last days with his brothers, nephews and daughters in Arkansas, riding rollercoasters, hitting the latest movies and restaurants, cooking crawfish etouffee, barbecuing and swimming. Darren was a loyal friend to many and would often end phone calls with his friends by saying “I love you brother, take care.” He was an amazingly fun uncle to his nephews and niece and they always looked forward to playing with him, jumping on the trampoline, playing football and talking with Uncle Darren. He was an avid football fan, practical joker and enjoyed great Cajun food, history, movies and music. He had an exceptional gift with kids; they were always drawn to him. All who knew Darren loved to be around his booming loud laughter. He was a very compassionate man, loyal friend and would take time to talk to anyone who needed guidance. He showed love for the Lord and continued to ask God for counsel through the hard times. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A memorial service was held Saturday, September 22, at Carterville Christian Church, Carterville, Missouri, at 10:00 a.m