Darrell Falen Obituary

Darrell Keith Falen

The world said goodbye to a most gentle, kind and patient soul last week.

Darrell Keith Falen, 82, of Lawrence, passed away peacefully at his home on October 6, 2015, after a struggle with cancer.

Darrell was born September 5, 1933, in Stafford, Kansas, the son of Raymond Falen and Mary Fern (Salmon) Falen. He attended school in Stafford, and after receiving a music scholarship he graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas in 1955. While at Southwestern he lettered in both football and basketball. Upon graduation Darrell joined the United States Navy, attending Officer Candidate School, and became a Naval Aviator. He served in active duty for four years, and in the Navy Reserve for six years. He married Carol Ann Detter of Winfield, Kansas on June 23, 1956.

Following active Navy service, Darrell taught math at Central Junior High School in Lawrence in 1959. In 1960 he continued teaching at West Junior High School and was the head basketball coach and a football assistant for four years. In 1964 he moved to Lawrence High School, where he was an assistant in both sports. He was the Lions' head basketball coach from 1968-1973. In 1974 he was named Lawrence's director of athletics business affairs under AD Al Woolard, and in '77 became Athletic Director. Under Darrell's directorship, the Lions started a full-scale girls ' athletics program, as well as boys' sports of soccer and baseball. During that time LHS won 52 state championships. In addition to teaching and his contributions to Lawrence High athletics, Darrell spent years in administration and was a division principal at the time of his retirement.

Darrell's retirement years were full of travel with Carol, time spent with family and friends, playing golf, and watching lots of sports on TV.

Darrell is survived by his wife Carol, his son Steven Craig Falen of Missoula, Montana and his daughter Diana Lynn Vincent of Leesburg, Virginia. Steve's family includes wife Susan Ash and son Zachary. Diana's family includes husband Jeff Vincent, and sons Cooper and Tanner of Leesburg, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Doris Falen.

A celebration of Darrell's life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 12, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence with the Reverend Dr. Peter A. Luckey officiating. A reception will follow in the Mayflower Room, at the church.

A private family inurnment service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery. Donations in Darrell's name may be made to the Darrell Falen Memorial Athletics Fund at Lawrence High School, Plymouth Congregational Church, and Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.