Darrell D. Victory, 76, of Salina, Kan., was called home to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Born on November 3, 1949, in Nowata, Oklahoma to Charley and Alberta Victory. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, of the home; daughter, Rae Brecheisen (Kris) of Salina; two sons, Darren Victory (Renee) of Fort Worth, Texas, and Bradley Victory of Fort Worth, Texas; three bonus children, Ashley Chapman of Wichita, Kansas, Clint Thompson (Mickaylee) of Wamego, Kansas, and Jake Thompson of Kansas City, Missouri. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren.

In 1956 Darrell’s family moved to Coffeyville, Kansas where he attended Coffeyville Public Schools. After high school, he worked for Liebert Bros Electrical Co. while serving a formal apprenticeship through the IBEW and NECA. He received his journeyman electrician license in 1971 and his master electrician license in 1974. He worked in electrical construction for several years doing large construction projects in Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri.

In 1986 Darrell accepted the position of Director of Plant Operations at Kansas Wesleyan University where he worked until his retirement in 2017 after 30 years of service. He was a pivotal part of transforming and growing the buildings and grounds of the University through his tenure. He took his role to heart, and he still wore purple and gold with pride until the end. Darrell also served on the President’s Cabinet, The Board of Trustees and numerous committees on behalf of the University.

Darrell was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Salina, a tribal member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, IBEW, City of Salina solid waste management committee and the Association of Physical Plant Administrators.

Darrell loved to be outdoors. Carefully scheduled around his serious lawn care routine, he spent several years traveling with his wife after retirement—camping and adventuring around the country. He also loved to golf with his buddies, although he swore he was terrible at it for years.

Darrell took great pride in his grandkids and spent years going to baseball games, dance recitals, theater productions and school award ceremonies. He got the privilege of watching his first grandchild receive a college degree—only the second in the family.

Darrell was literally a big presence with a heart of gold. His wit and dry humor were sure to bring laughter to all family gatherings. He loved hard and always wanted everyone to be happy. We are blessed to have been a part of such a light on Earth and all who knew him will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 31, at 10:30 am at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS 67401. Burial will be at Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina, KS. The family would like to encourage you to come dressed casually in your Chiefs or KWU gear or boots and jeans. A luncheon will immediately follow the graveside service at First Southern Baptist Church, 2401 S Ohio St, Salina, KS, where the family would love to share food, fellowship and memories of Darrell.

Memorial donations may be made to the University of Kansas Cancer Center, care of Ryan Mortuary.