Daniel Rex Darrow

Daniel Rex Darrow, age 82, entered into his heavenly home on June 18, 2023, surrounded by his loving family in Council Bluffs, IA.

Dan was born October 30, 1940, in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Edward Irving and Fern Opal (Garside) Darrow. Dan was raised on the family farm in Anita, Iowa, along with his two sisters and two brothers.

After graduating from Anita High School, Dan attended Tarkio College on a basketball scholarship. On October 30, 1960, Dan married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Joan Lantz and made their home on the family farm where they raised their first two daughters, Linda Jean and Sharon Sue.

In 1968, Dan and Nancy moved to Council Bluffs, IA where their 3rd daughter, Janice LeAnn was born and helped raise many foster children. Dan joined his brother-in-law in the plumbing and heating business, C&B Plumbing, and later purchased and took ownership of the business. Dan and Nancy were very active members of Prospect Park Baptist Church, of which they were a founding member along with several other families.

In 1987, Dan decided to sell his business to join the Awana Youth Association Ministry to follow his calling, traveling as an Awana Missionary to spread Gods word to children throughout the Iowa and Nebraska area. In 1995, Dan and Nancy moved to Elgin, Illinois, where he worked at Awana International Headquarters in various position's until he retired from being the Executive Director of International Ministries, where he traveled the world spreading God's word.

In 2005, Dan and Nancy retired and moved back to Council Bluffs, IA, to be closer to their family and friends where he enjoyed working on his Model A, Ford Mustangs, his gardens, fishing and camping.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Fern Darrow; sisters and brothers-in-law, Bernadine and Byron Bower, Mavis and Bob Klepher, and brother and sister-in law, Duane and Dorothy Darrow; grandson-in-law, Nate Heinicke; and many other family members.

Dan is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy; daughters, Linda (Dan) Hanusa, Sharon (Edward) Churchill and Janice Darrow; eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, F. William (Nancy) Darrow; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Sunday, June 25, 2023.