Norbert J. Darveaux 1937-2016
Norbert J. Darveaux, 78, Valley Falls, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at his home.
He was born Dec. 15, 1937, at Rulo, Neb., the son of Peter Joseph and Mary Majerus Darveaux. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School in Falls City, Neb., and from high school in Reserve.
Mr. Darveaux served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1956 to 1962. He was a cabinet maker and owned Norbert’s Cabinet Shop in Valley Falls, which he operated from 1963 until retirement. He had worked at Frontier Mobile Homes and Falls City Millworks, both at Falls City, Neb.
He was a member of American Handyman Professionals, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park Association, Nebraska City, Neb., Elks Lodge 963, Falls City, Neb., Moose Lodge 555, Topeka, Fraternal Order of Eagles 309, Lawrence, American Legion Bicentennial Post 225, Ozawkie, National Rifle Association, Kansas Prairie Pickers Association, Heart of America Antique Steam Engine and Model Association at McLouth, Meriden Antique Engine and Threshers Association and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Rulo, Neb.
He married Roxanne Kirkendall in 1958, at Rulo, Neb. They divorced. He married Barbara Bright on Aug. 18, 1995, at Oskaloosa. She survives.
Other survivors include two daughters, Ronda Jeffries and fiance Chuck Gulley, Valley Falls, and Melody Conser and husband Colt, Oskaloosa; two stepsons, Kevin Bledsoe, Topeka, and Jason Bledsoe, Tonganoxie; five brothers, Bernard J. Darveaux, Holton, Gerard J. Darveaux, Carter Lake, Iowa, Peter J. Darveaux, Independence, Mo., Michael J. Darveaux, Oswego, Ill., and Raphael J. Darveaux, Falls City, Neb.; three sisters, Mary G. Terry, Meriden, Barbara A. Schuetz, Falls City, Neb., and Joyce A. Hoefker, Fort Collins, Colo.; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Steven Eugene “Buff” Darveaux, a brother, Raymond J. Darveaux and a sister, Rita Marie Metzner.
A rosary will be prayed at 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Valley Falls. Visitation will follow at the church. Inurnment will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Valley Falls Cemetery with military honors by Grahem-Herbers Veterans of Foreigns Wars Post 3084.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Norbert J. Darveaux Memorial Fund, to be designated later and sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.
