Darrell McGinnis, age 79 of Ogallala, passed away November 24, 2014 at the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.
Darrell was born May 6, 1935 at Kearney, Nebraska to Dave and Irene (Bruce) McGinnis. He attended school in Kearney, Arkansas and Lincoln.
Following his education, Darrell went to work for the State Department of Roads in North Platte. On November 26, 1954, Darrell married Beverly June Thorpe at Greeley, Colorado. The couple made their home in Brule, and Darrell worked at Goodall Manufacturing and the alfalfa mill. Darrell later took a job at the Dobish Garage where he worked as a mechanic, did frame and radiator work, as well as drove the wrecker. He and the family moved back and forth from Brule to Ogallala a few times before eventually settling down in Ogallala in the 1980’s. Darrell later worked at the Ogallala Public Schools in maintenance for 16 years, before retiring in July 2014.
Darrell was an avid collector of a multitude of things. His collection of Pez dispensers totals over 5,000 individual pieces. He also collected stamps, marbles, coins, Hotwheels cars, guns and just about anything else that was worth collecting. He enjoyed looking for arrowheads and rocks, as well as fishing. Darrell was a kid at heart, which lent itself pretty well when it came to being a grandpa. He had an easy smile and an infectious laugh that was easy to love. He will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Beverly June McGinnis of Ogallala; daughter, Judi (Kevin) Tjaden of Brule; 2 sons, Jim (Angela) McGinnis of Port Orchard, WA; Darrell G. McGinnis of Lincoln; 6 grandchildren, Stacey, Heather, Jason, Nathan, Warren and Leah; 5 great grandchildren, Dillon, Camron, Neveah, Connor, Seth and one more on the way; sister, Patricia Patterson of Brule; brother, William McGinnis of Oregon and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala with Reverend Chuck Rager officiating. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.