Darrol Schroeder

Darrol Dean Schroeder, 76, of Cherokee, passed peacefully from this life into the welcoming arms of Jesus on October 29, 2023.

He was born September 26, 1947, in Hardtner, Kansas to Charlie and Louise Schroeder. Ten and a half years later, he was blessed by the arrival of his younger sibling, Connie Jo. Darrol became his little sister's protector and knight in shining armor, a role they both would cherish for the rest of his life.

The pair grew up in Cherokee, where it soon became obvious that Darrol had a penchant for mischief and a certain tendency toward orneriness, which kept things lively wherever he went. Even toward the end of his life, his wit and sense of fun were still a comfort to his family.

Darrol graduated from Cherokee with the class of 1966 and joined the Navy soon after. He was proud of his country and of his service and his loyalty to that branch of the military never wavered.

After being honorably discharged in California, Darrol there met the love of his life, and made Sandy his beautiful bride in the summer of 1973, acquiring at the same time four precious children whom he would instantly claim as his own.

Darrol made his living as a truck driver and continued to do so when the family returned to Cherokee in 1980. He drove for both the county and the state and later for the city of Cherokee, where he also worked as a lineman, along with many other duties.

It was in 1988, while working at the Cherokee swimming pool site, that Darrol was trapped for nearly an hour when a bucket truck fell on him. Warrior that he was, he astounded everyone by living to tell the tale, and to continue working after his recovery.

He was a first rate mechanic and could fix just about anything. He usually had two or three projects going on at any given time.

Darrol loved camping and fishing and cheering on his beloved Saints, also spending time with the grandkids and his personal guard dog, Spike, along with a few cats that he swore he didn't like, but somehow ended up in his lap.

He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; two sons, Michael and Teddy; sister, Ludella, and niece, Dalana Jo.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; children, Tim Bradley and Melinda Brietman; two grandchildren; five great grandchildren (and one more on the way); sister and partner in crime, Connie Jo, and husband, Jesse Truax of Cherokee; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

The celebration of life service for Darrol will be Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethel Baptist Church in Cherokee. The guest book will be available at Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. in Cherokee on Friday, November 10, 2023, 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.    www.lanmanfuneralhome.com  Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Bethel Baptist Church through the funeral home.