03/05/2026
Darrel Ray Thoman, 87, was born on September 26, 1938, in Thayer County, Nebraska. He passed away on February 28, 2026, in Holt, Missouri, and entered into the presence of his Savior, leaving behind a legacy of faith, integrity, and intentional love for others.
Darrel was a serious-minded man who meant what he said — a man of integrity, dependable and intentional in all he did. He was not given to frivolous talk, yet he appreciated a good joke and carried a quiet warmth that drew people to him. Those who knew him often spoke of his shepherd’s heart. He was deeply aware of people’s needs, often anticipating problems and addressing them before they surfaced. He faithfully watched over his family and community.
His greatest commitment was to Jesus Christ. Darrel believed every encounter was a divine appointment, providentially orchestrated by the sovereignty of God. If he told you he was praying for you, he was. His children remember hearing him pray at night — a steady reminder of the foundation upon which he built his life.
For 43 years, Darrel faithfully served at William Jewell College, teaching math and computer science. He especially loved teaching his mission's class and regularly shared the hope found in Christ with his students. His academic work included research later utilized by NASA and the automotive industry. He authored two books centered on living for God’s glory, as well as a college mathematics textbook — though he would have said his proudest accomplishment was his family and their faith.
Darrel was also an avid pilot. He flew a Cessna 172 and often took his young family up into the skies, traveling throughout the Midwest together. Those flights reflected his adventurous spirit, his steady confidence, and his love of sharing experiences with the people he cherished most.
In 1973, Darrel took his family to India for a year — a decision that had lasting eternal impact on each of them.
He was a builder in every sense of the word. With wood in his hands, he created beauty and function — even constructing a bridge across a creek. He recently completed a brick walkway, always drawn to meaningful and complex projects. Numbers fascinated him; percentages were calculated precisely to the penny. He loved mentoring men and drawing out leadership in others.
Darrel delighted in simple joys: cookies, potlucks, whistling, playing the piano, and singing — including his time singing in a college quartet. During Christmas, he would read from a book of stories he compiled and faithfully read the account of Christ’s birth from Scripture to his family.
He had a particular heart for widows and orphans and for those quietly struggling. He saw people. He validated them. He loved even when love was undeserved.
More than anything, Darrel served — purposefully and consistently — shining the Light of Christ wherever he was placed and building community wherever God planted him.
A worship service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 4:00–5:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at 5:00 p.m., at Northern Hills Baptist Church. All services will be held at the church.
Darrel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Harriet E. Thoman; his parents, Walter Daniel and Ethel Belle Thoman; and his sister, Arlene F. Mulch.
He is survived by his children: Eva Smith of Holt, Missouri; Lynn Huff of Hannibal, Missouri; and Loren Thoman (Lisa) of Holt, Missouri. He was a proud grandfather to Nathan Smith (Sheri), Rachel Peck (Brandon), Lauren Pitts (Kevin), Benjamin Smith, Rebekah Pritzel (Connor), Jessica Newland, Jeremy Huff, Ethan Thoman (Danielle), Natalie Mitchell (Braedyn), Jordan Thoman, and Emma Chapman (Chase); as well as 28 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
