Darrell Fesperman, 96, peacefully passed away at Mercy Hospital Thursday, June 1, 2023 as the result of a fall in his home on May 23.   He was born on Monday, August 23, 1926 in Webster County, Missouri to Orville and Vivian (Kessinger) Fesperman.

Darrell's family lived in the Rogersville, MO area until he was about 12 years old when they moved to Springfield, MO. He was a 1944 graduate of Springfield Senior High School which is now Central High School. Darrell married his childhood sweetheart, Kathleen Barton. Three daughters were born to this marriage, Saundra, Beverly and Rita. Darrell and Kathleen were married for 75 years before Kathleen passed away in September of 2019. In the early years of their marriage, Darrell was a farmer. He milked cattle and raised row crops. In 1954 he went into the construction industry and continued in this career until his retirement. He was a proud member of the Laborers International Union of North America for 69 years. Darrell & Kathleen enjoyed traveling in the years after his retirement, visiting all 50 states and Canada. A special pastime was loading up their motorhome for a fishing/camping trip to the area lakes in the Ozarks. Darrell and Kathleen were members of King's Way United Methodist Church for nearly 70 years.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, two  brothers David and Donald Fesperman and one Great-Grandson Joseph Norris.

Darrell is survived by his three daughters Saundra Roper of Fair Grove, MO, Bev Norris (husband Steve) of Rogersville, MO and Rita Davis of Springfield, MO, seven grandchildren Tim Norris (wife Toni), Paige Norris, Leslie Tillman (husband Scott), Lisa Bernet (husband Rob), Sara Huff, Emily Davis and Andrew Davis (wife Jody), six great-grandchildren Josh Norris, Jack Norris, Grace Tillman, Jake Tillman, Katie Fender (husband Matt) and Michael Thomas (wife Katie), four Great-Great Grandchildren Aiden Norris, Calvin Fender, Claire Ann Fender and Sage Wren Thomas, several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with nieces and nephews, his Granddogs Wrigley (Rita's Golden Doodle) and Minnie (Bev and Steve's Yorkie) who both brought him great pleasure.

The family would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Mercy Hospital for the excellent care given to our Dad during his 10-day stay.  Special thanks to Tara, Sydney, Terrilynn and Taryn.

A visitation will be held from 1-2 PM on Monday, June 12, 2023 in the Chapel at King's Way United Methodist Church, 2401 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804 with memorial services to follow at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to King's Way United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com