Darrell Lee Tinkel, a man of few words but “I tell you what,” loved a good conversation or discussion about football, Nascar racing, or Dale Earnhardt, passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2025. Darrell was born Nov. 10, 1950, at St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend, to Frank and Alvera (Melcher) Tinkel. 

As a lifelong resident of the Great Bend area, Darrell graduated from Otis High School in May of 1969. Throughout his adult life, Darrell worked for Great Bend Manufacturing until 1999, then at Great Bend Industries until his retirement in 2015. He married Carma Jurgensen on Nov. 29, 1975. Carma and Darrell had one son, Randy Lee, who was born Jan. 24, 1985. Darrell loved a good glass of whiskey, an intense card game of pitch, or listening to his favorite country music channel each morning. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. 

Survivors include two sisters, Judy (Bernie) Rabenseifner of Great Bend and Cheryl (Chuck) Richardson of Great Bend; daughter-in-law, Jillian Tinkel of Wamego; grandson, Krew Tinkel of Wamego; nephews, Troy Daubert of Great Bend and Travis Daubert of Wichita; and nieces, Stacey Cook of Olathe and Amy Stein of Great Bend. Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alvera; wife, Carma; son, Randy; and grandson, Korbin. 

To honor Darrell’s request, there will be no funeral services and a private burial for family will be planned at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Darrell’s grandson’s memorial legacy, Korbin’s Clubs, P.O. Box 171 Wamego, KS 66547. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home 

1425 Patton Rd. 

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 14, 2025