Darrel Glen Morton, 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Darrel was born on January 26, 1961 to Robert Frederick and Urla June (Hickey) Morton in Albuquerque, NM.

Darrel was united in marriage to Tara Stidham Forester on December 17, 1983. They were married for 42 adventurous years. Darrel and his family traveled the world while he served 20 years active duty and 17 years as a civilian in the Civil Engineering Squadron for the United States Air Force. Throughout these years Darrel and family were immensely blessed to have met countless people that truly became family. After all the "fun" Darrel (and Tara) retired in 2023, and settled in Augusta, KS to be near their children and grandchildren and to enjoy a simpler life.

Along his journeys, Darrel never lost his enthusiasm for enjoying the outdoors; he loved hunting, fishing, gardening, mowing (when his tires weren't flat…lol) and exploring local attractions while RVing and finding the lowest gas prices while traveling anywhere became a humorous part of his planning. The Air Force also fueled his passion for participating in Softball, Golf and Bowling; he participated in too many events, leagues and tournaments to count. Home became where the Air Force sent him and family, so he became quite the handyman and craftsman; he enjoyed fixing and creating things and he definitely did quite a few home renovation projects to his (mostly his wife's) liking.

After his son, Ryan was tragically killed in the line of duty, Darrel and family became very involved the Missouri Funeral Assistance Team, Concerned for Police Survivors, and established a Trust, that emulates their son's/brother's character "Live Like Ryan: Be Kind, Serve Others, Love With All Your Heart and Forgive Always", that supports the Central Missouri Police Academy, Law Enforcement, and other community efforts/initiates to make this world a kinder, safer place. Last, but certainly not least, Darrel was very passionate about supporting his family and friends whenever and wherever he possibly could.

Darrel is survived by his wife, Tara Morton; son, Derek Morton (Diana Turner); grandchildren, Johnathan Morton and Maeve Morton; daughter, Lyndi Alexander (Ryan); grandchildren, Blake Alexander, Avery Alexander, Colt Alexander; Mother, Urla Morton; sisters, Terri Morton and Tamara Morris (Jason); as well as, numerous nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Barbara Forester.

Darrel is preceded in death by his son, Ryan Morton; father, Robert Morton; grandparents, Johnny and Marie Hickey, father-in-law, Ben Forester.

Graveside services will be held on Monday July 20th at the Knob Noster Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to join the family at Colton's Steak House (85 NE 501 Rd, Warrensburg, MO) from 12:00-3:00pm to celebrate Darrel's life and love on each other.

The family wishes Memorial Contributions be made out to the Ryan Morton Memorial Fund or the Missouri Funeral Assistance Team, left in care of the Dunsford Funeral Home.