Hart, Darren L. 1963-2024 Wood Heights, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
WOOD HEIGHTS, Mo. – Darren Lee Hart, 60, of Wood Heights, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at his place of business. Darren was born on Nov. 9, 1963, in St. Joseph, to Robert Lee and Margaret (Dye) Hart. Darren’s life revolved around Christ, automotive, and family.
Darren actively attended the First Baptist Church, in Wathena, Kansas. He previously served on the Church Board at Liberty Church of the Nazarene. Throughout his journey, Darren participated in numerous missionary trips, dedicated to spreading the message of Christ. During his time in Africa, he not only shared his faith but also assisted local citizens in repairing their motorized scooters.
Darren began his career at Federal Sign, working alongside his father. From there he then moved to a mechanics shop, Stucky’s in Kearney, Missouri. This is where he discovered his true passion for automotive work. Darren first opened the doors to Hart’s Auto Repair in Liberty, Missouri, in 1989. It started as a small two-bay shop, where he quickly became successful and expanded into multiple bays and various locations.
While expanding his businesses, Darren dedicated himself to enhancing his education and expertise. He obtained all ASE certifications, graduated from Dale Carnegie, and has held his Master Mechanic certification for over 35 years. Additionally, he became a member of the Automotive Service Association.
Throughout his career, Darren has always been committed to helping others. He participated in a Saturday morning talk show that addressed automobile repair questions for the community, taught vocational technology in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, and collaborated with 101 the Fox and the Late Slacker on the Cars 4 Heroes initiative.
Darren married Kathy Stansil on Aug. 25, 2018, in Gladstone, Missouri. She survives of the home.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret, on Feb. 13, 2021.
Additional survivors: father, Robert Lee Hart, Excelsior Springs, formerly of Wathena; siblings, Annette Francis (Allen), Brendi Howlett, and Charles Hart, all of St. Joseph; children, Christina McElwee (Nick) of Kearney, Missouri, Timothy “T.J.” Dodson (Kayla), of Holt, Missouri, Rebecca Kuhn (Peyton), of Princeton, Kansas; grandchildren, Caden, Karter, Izabella, Avery and Emberlyn; nieces and nephews, Mark Campbell, Shaun Campbell, Janel Campbell, Jonathan Ledford, Seth Ledford, Jesse Ledford, and many others.
Visitation, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at noon First Baptist Church, 407 N. Third Street, Wathena, KS 66090.
Funeral Service, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at 1 p.m. First Baptist Church, 407 N. Third Street Wathena, KS 66090. Burial Service; Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, KS 66090. Lunch will be served after the Burial service back at the First Baptist Church.
Celebration of Life, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, Liberty Church of the Nazarene 1400 Southview Drive Liberty, MO 64068. Small service starts at 2 p.m. Come and Go Celebration 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Memorials should be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Diabetes Foundation. www.harmanrohde.com As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
