Darrel Gilliland 1938-2025
Donald Darrel Gilliland, 87, of Holton, left his earthly home on Monday, April 28, 2025, and did not look back. He was a Bible scholar for most of his life and his faith was an important part of every day. He last attended Fellowship Bible Church and Bible Study group in Topeka until his health prevented it. Darrel’s Bible has numerous highlighted passages and notations that were significant to him.
Darrel was the oldest of seven children, born on Jan. 13, 1938, the son of Frank Donald Gilliland and Ina Lucille (Parker) Gilliland. Darrel grew up in the rural community of Overbrook as part of a dairy and farming family. He attended a one-room schoolhouse where one year, there were only four students in the school: Darrel, his two younger brothers and the neighbor boy. He attended Overbrook High School and graduated in 1956.
He then joined the United States Marine Corps and after his military service, attended Emporia State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree from The University of Kansas in environmental studies. He retired from the State of Kansas Department of Health as a water quality control inspector. After retirement, he enjoyed work at the Veterans Administration as a pharmacy technician.
Darrel was an avid reader and found comfort in being surrounded by his treasured collection of books. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother Frank. He was a lifelong learner and was often found researching and reading at his computer. He had an inquisitive mind and kept up to date on current affairs. He possessed a sharp wit and an elephant’s memory. He was particularly interested in family genealogy and had tracked down all relatives who served in the Civil War.
Darrel loved road trips and was a detailed trip planner. He could provide a running narration of the history and attractions at each destination. His last trip was as a member of Holton High School’s Honor Flight, to visit Washington, D.C., in 2023. Wheelchair bound, he was attended to by his great-niece and nephew, Tuley and Tucker Gilliland.
Darrel is survived by his wife, Susan, of Wichita; one daughter, Tara Nunn of Topeka; three grandchildren and spouses and six great-grandchildren; by his brother, Frank Gilliland (Betsy) of Holton; by his two sisters, Amy Feitel (Tom) of Tulsa, Okla., and Susan King (Mike) of Republic, Mo.; his sister-in-law, Becky Gilliland of Topeka; his brother-in-law, Jim Jordan of Colorado; many nieces and nephews and spouses and a multitude of great-nieces and nephews and spouses.
Darrel was preceded in death by his beloved son, Ryan Matthew Gilliland; by his parents; two brothers and sister-in-law, Delton and Janet Gilliland of Lyndon and Milton Gilliland of Topeka; and one sister, Ina Beth Jordan of Centennial, Colo.
The family will receive friends for a visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 9 at Feltner Funeral Chapel in Lyndon. Burial will be held in Lyndon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the VFW Post in Holton (memo Medical Equipment Fund), 926 W. Sixth St.; or Holton High School Honor Flight, 901 New York, both in Holton, KS 66436.
A special thank you to his caregivers: Dr. Allen and staff at Holton Family Health, Cheryl Anderson, Lisa Moore and Anew Home Town Care Home and staff, who all helped make Darrel’s load a little lighter during his last years.
(PAID OBITUARY)
