Darrell R. Shortt, 73, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005. He was born on July 28, 1931, in Ongo, Mo., the son of Lee and Nora Shortt. He was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Kathleen Nelson on June 17, 1952.
Darrell graduated from Ava High School in Ava. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving four years, during the Korean conflict. After serving on active duty, Darrell returned to Missouri and became a Reservist, serving eight years. He also began working for Sho-Me Power Coop in Marshfield, retiring after 37 years.
Darrell also served his community through many clubs and organizations. Some of those included being a master Mason and a past master of the Sparta Lodge, No. 296 and DDGM of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. He was also a member of the Eastern Star in Sparta, Abou Ben Adhem Temple, Springfield, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J. USA in Joplin, as well as the American Legion, Webster County Post No. 142.
Darrell became a Christian as a teenager and was baptized in Swan Creek. He was a long time member of Calvary Baptist Church of Marshfield.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Arlie, Everett, Herman, Milford, Sam, and Lester.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Kathleen; daughter, Jean Walden and husband, Bob; daughter, June Jinks; son, Tom Shortt and wife, Vicki; grandchildren, Dawn, Autumn, Matthew, Jason, Iris, and Austin; step-grandchildren Brandon, Brady, and Victoria; great-grandchildren Ariel, Chloe, Joseph, Aurora, and Sam; step-great-grandchildren Madison, Emily and Noah; one brother, Dewey Shortt; and two sisters, Pearl Hull and Bonnie Rogers; a large group of relatives and friends; as well as, his much loved dog, Hobbs.
Funeral services were at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Adams Funeral Home in Ozark. Masonic services were held graveside immediately afterwards at Sparta Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sparta First Baptist Church Building Fund, Sparta, Missouri, 65753.
