The Excelsior Standard, Oct. 25, 2024

Darren Lee Hart, 60, of Wood Heights passed away Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at his place of business.

Darren was born Nov. 9, 1963, in St. Joseph to Robert Lee and Margaret (Dye) Hart. His life revolved around Christ, automotives and family.

Darren actively attended the First Baptist Church in Wathena, Kan. He had served on the church board at Liberty Church of the Nazarene.

Throughout his faith 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 moved to a mechanics shop, Stucky’s, in Kearney. That is where he discovered his passion for automotive work.

In 1989, Darren first opened the doors to Hart’s Auto Repair in Liberty. It started as a two-bay shop. 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 held his master mechanic certification for 35-plus years. Additionally, he became a member of the Automotive Service Association.

Throughout his career, Darren was always 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 and collaborated with KCFX-FM (101 The Fox) and the late “Slacker” on the Cars 4 Heroes initiative.

Darren married Kathy Stansil on Aug. 25, 2018, in Gladstone. She survives of the home.

He was preceded in death by his mother Margaret on Feb. 13, 2021.

Additional survivors include his father, Robert Lee Hart, of Excelsior Springs, formerly of Wathena; and siblings, Annette Francis (Allen), Brendi Howlett and Charles Hart, all of St. Joseph. Still other survivors include his children, Christina McElwee (Nick) of Kearney, Timothy “T.J.” Dodson (Kayla) of Holt and Rebecca Kuhn (Peyton) of Princeton, Kan.; grandchildren, Caden, Karter, Izabella, Avery and Emberlyn; nieces and nephews, Mark Campbell, Shaun Campbell, Janel Campbell, Jonathan Ledford, Seth Ledford and Jesse Ledford; and many others.

The visitation was scheduled for noon Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the First Baptist Church, 407. N Third St., Wathena, followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. Tuesday, also at the church. A burial service was planned for Bellemont Cemetery in Wathena, with lunch to be served at the church after the burial service.

A celebration of Darren’s life will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Liberty Church of the Nazarene, 1400 Southview Drive, Liberty. The small service starts at 2 p.m., with a come-and-go celebration scheduled for 2:30-4 p.m.

Memorials should be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Diabetes Foundation. Leave online condolences on the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home website, www. harmanrohde.com.