03/21/2026
A eulogy for Darrell Lee.
Carlton “Darrell” Lee, 75, of Udall, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Louisburg Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
Born January 15th, 1951, in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of Luke and Nelda Lee.
He graduated from Campus High School in May of 1969.
Darrell married Caroline Baker on December 30, 1972, in Haysville, Kansas. They had four children: Cristy, Charlene, Curtis, and Craig. Caroline preceded him in death on September 12, 2021.
He and Caroline moved to Udall in 1978 and raised Cristy & Craig there.
He worked at various aviation companies throughout his career, including Cessna and Boeing, from which he retired in 2005. He worked at D&J Engineering until his official retirement in January of 2017.
Darrell enjoyed leisurely pastimes; fishing, playing a round or two of Doololly, dominos, visiting with friends and family, going out to eat, and napping. He could literally fall asleep anywhere. He enjoyed western TV and movies. He enjoyed classic country music, gospel and gospel bluegrass.
He was ornery by nature, from tormenting his younger sisters, Rhonda & Deanna when they were teenagers with pranks, to teasing his kids and grandkids, telling stories and corny jokes just to get a laugh. He almost always wore a handlebar mustache, which he displayed proudly. It was a great conversation starter and a favorite topic of his when out and about.
He was a bit of a foodie, enjoying church luncheons and any homemade food not made by him. Fried catfish from Fat Ernie’s, mint chocolate chip ice cream and shakes from Braums, and fried mushrooms from Timber Creek, were just a few of his favorites.
He enjoyed the fellowship with his friends and church members. He really looked forward to his Friday church luncheons. He loved his church family and spoke of them often after he was unable to attend services.
Darrell is survived by his son Craig (Michelle) Lee, daughter Cristy (David) Furnas, grandchildren, Cortland (Haley) Carpenter, Brooklyn (Clay) Gerred, Brandon (Tabitha) Lee, five great grandchildren, Blakelyn Gerred, Daxon Gerred, Sylas Carpenter, Quinn Carpenter, Mavrick Lee, and one more on the way, and sister, Deanna (David) Griffin.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Caroline Lee, son, Curtis Darrell Lee, Daughter, Charlene Deann Lee, parents, Luke and Nelda Lee, and sister, Rhonda Turner.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the Cowley County Fire District #4 Firefighters Fund, P.O. Box 84, Udall, KS 67146.
