Darrell R. "Pete" Cearfoss

Darrell R. “Pete” Cearfoss, 77, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Saturday, December 5, 2015, at Vintage Park. Celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, December 19, 2015, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Family will meet with friends following the service in Robert’s Hall at the church. Private family burial will be held at a later date. Pete was born Wednesday, September 14, 1938, in Centropolis, Kansas, the son of Isaac and Frances (Clark) Cearfoss. He lived in Pomona, from 1963 to 1978, moving in 1978 to Ottawa, where he made his home until his death. He graduated from Pomona High School with the class of 1956 and continued his education at Wichita Barber College, graduating in 1961. Pete was united in marriage with Mary Johnson June 17, 1962, in Ottawa. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his daughter, Janet Huddlestun and her husband Mark; three grandchildren, Derek Huddlestun, Jake Huddlestun and Brock Huddlestun; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Frances Cearfoss; infant daughter, Donna Cearfoss; and brothers, Alden “Ike” Cearfoss and Orville Cearfoss. He was employed as a barber with the City Barber Shop for 20 years, was a salesman for American Cellulose Manufacturing, Inc. for 5 years, and later became the owner/operator of Budges Sports Center in 1986 until retiring, March 1999. Pete served in the United States Army from June 1957 to April 1959. While stationed in Okinawa, Pete played on the Army Rycon baseball team and was selected for the Army All-Stars representing the Ryukyu Islands. He was a member and president of the Pomona Lions Club, Ottawa Jaycees, Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, Ottawa American Legion, and the Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was involved with the American Legion Baseball program for over 60 years; first as a player, next as a coach, continuing as a member of the Legion board, and finally as a proud Grandpa watching his 3 grandsons play for Post 60. He received the Russell Crites Community Service Award in 2001 for his work with the American Legion Baseball program. Pete enjoyed golfing, traveling, KU basketball, playing cards and working crossword puzzles. Pete was a beloved husband, dad, and grandpa. He was a good guy to have in your corner. He will be missed. The family suggests memorial contributions to American Legion Baseball c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Pete’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com