Darel Dee Olliff, son of Thomas Arel & Minnie (Lowrey) Olliff, was born February 28, 1933 in Kensington, Kansas. He departed this earthly life on February 22, 2017 at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg, Kansas, just six days shy of his 84th birthday.
Darel attended elementary school in Kensington and then his middle school through high school years in Phillipsburg, where he graduated with the class of 1951. After graduation he obtained his Mortuary Science degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He later went back to college at Fort Hays State University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry.
On November 12, 1953, Darel was inducted into the United States Army and served during the Korean War until his honorable discharge on September 9, 1955. He then returned to Phillipsburg and joined his father in the family funeral business.
On February 13, 1955, Darel married the love of his life, Shirley Boeve, in Phillipsburg, KS. Their home was blessed with two sons, Kenton and Gary.
In 1959 Darel partnered with his brother-in-law, Ron Boeve, to purchase what is known today as the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel. They were also responsible for the local ambulance service, which was a part of the funeral home at the time, and which was later purchased by the county. Darel and Ron, along with their wives, provided the families in this area the highest quality of funeral service for over 58 years, leaving a legacy of compassion and care that is still being honored today.
Two of the greatest joys in Darel's life were his grandchildren, Sydnie & Thomas. He was a doting grandfather who thoroughly enjoyed attending their school programs & sporting events, bragging about their accomplishments, and shaking his head at some of their adventures.
Darel was a faithful and active member of the First Christian Church, as well as past board member of Hospice Services, the Huck Boyd Foundation, Kansas Board of Mortuary Arts, and USD 325 School board. He served this community in countless ways and was always available to anyone who needed a listening ear or spiritual counsel.
For many years Darel & Shirley loved spending time at their cabin in the Colorado mountains during the summer. Their retirement years found them to be loyal patrons of the Wellness Center, the Post Office, and, of course, Shelley Ann's, Third Street Bakery, and Hometown Grounds for morning and/or afternoon coffee. Darel did some of his best PR work during his routine visits around town during the day. He touched so many with his smile, his laughter, his stories & jokes, and especially his sense of kindness and comfort to anyone in need.
Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Donna, and brother-in-law, Bill Nichelason; brothers-in-law, Larry Boeve and Gary Boeve; and niece, Glenna Jo Nichelason.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of their home in Phillipsburg; sons, Kenton & wife, Carol, of Hays, KS and Gary & wife, Kathy, of St. Peters, MO; and his grandchildren, Sydnie Olliff of Veneta, OR and Thomas Olliff of Phillipsburg.

Funeral services will be held Sat. Feb. 25 at 10:30 a.m. in the Huck Boyd Community Center with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from noon to 9:00 Thursday & 9:00 to 9:00 Friday with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:30 Friday evening at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Phillips County Christian Foundation or the First Christian Church Local Missions.