Darrell Wayne Best, age 71, passed away on April 17, 2024, at his home in Springfield. Darrell was born to Kenneth and Edith (Corter) Best on July 12, 1952, in Clinton, Arkansas. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1971, and later earned an Associate Degree from Central Bible College in Springfield. Darrell was united in marriage to Linda Sue Schumaker on July 28, 1972, at the First Assembly of God in Sedalia, Missouri. The couple celebrated 51 years of marriage and were blessed with three loving children: Sherry, Kevin, and Jason.

Darrell retired from Central Assembly of God after serving 14 years as the church’s manager of facilities. Prior to his facilities management position, Darrell worked 14 years at the Assemblies of God Headquarters in Springfield. Darrell was a devout Christian and served the Lord in a variety of ways. For the past five years, he volunteered at Africa’s Hope, a ministry of AGWM Africa. Africa’s Hope equips and resources over 25,000 emerging leaders through the efforts of more than 380 Bible colleges and training programs. He shared his love of Jesus in places like Alaska, Mexico, El Salvador, India, and the Philippines, just to name a few. Darrell was deeply devoted to world missions and took The Great Commission very seriously.

When not tending to his family, working, or traveling abroad, Darrell liked to ride motorcycles, harvest his gardens, and build things with his hands. He was a talented carpenter and woodworker who even found time to build his own home! Darrell will be remembered as a hardworking, Bible-believing man who loved his family beyond measure. He was truly a jack-of-all trades and a skilled handy-man. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Edith Best; and his sister, Linda Best Knoll. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Best; daughter, Sherry Gaines and her husband, Seth; son, Kevin Best and his wife, Danni; son, Jason Best and his wife, Ashley; ten grandchildren: Mack Best and his wife, Savanna, Eli Best, Gavin Best, Rory Best, Lia Gaines, Taylor Gaines, Callie Best, Timothy Best, Trace Peterson, and Melody Carlton; and brother Roger Best and his wife, Judy. Darrell is also survived by nine nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family, former colleagues, and friends.

Darrell’s family will host a visitation on Monday, April 22, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 3:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Following his funeral, Darrell will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. There will be a formal procession from the funeral home to the cemetery.

Darrell’s arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.