Darren Corbett McRae, age 56, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Wichita County, Kansas. He was born on February 26, 1969, to Jim and Elizabeth Appl McRae, in Tribune, Kansas. As a lifelong resident, he was a farmer, trucker, husband, father, grandfather, and so much more to so many.
Darren was proud to be a 4th generation farmer, spending much of his life on the family homestead located SE of Leoti, KS with his wife, Connie. On July 15, 2009, he married Connie Jo Simon on a secret trip to Niagara Falls, New York, and they were very happy.
He was always there to support Eric in whatever project he dreamt up, a lending hand or equipment. He never missed a call from Erin and didn’t hesitate to help any way he could, even if it was just listening.
Darren enjoyed playing board games on the floor with his grandchildren, sharing his love of Tom and Jerry cartoons, and taking them along in the tractor with him. He also always participated in the yearly matching pajamas Christmas photo without much complaint.
As a child, Darren spent his time fishing and goose hunting with his Grandad. Hunting was something he enjoyed most in life. He traveled to Canada to hunt mountain lions and Louisiana to hunt alligators, never coming home short of his intended goal. He looked forward to hosting hunters from Texas and Louisiana for deer hunting in Kansas each year and made lifelong friends along the way. His hobbies included reading while tractor driving, basebal l , John Wayne movies and memorabilia, riding his motorcycle, collecting Big Bud tractors and IHC toy machinery, loudly watching Metal Mayhem on Friday nights, and spoiling his herd of cats.
Family trips included Nashville, Las Vegas, Reno, Sturgis, the Dallas Bowl game, Cozumel, Myrtle Beach, Florida Keys, and Hawaii, but home is where he loved the most.
He attended Leoti Schools and graduated in 1988. His school friends always kept in touch. He also attended Goodland VoTech Diesel Mechanics program before coming home to farm with his Grandad and Father.
Survivors include his wife, Connie Jo; children, Erin Tankersley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Eric & Kelbie Tankersley of Marienthal, Kansas, Draven & MaKinlie McRae of Scott City, Kansas, Drake McRae of Scott City, Kansas; four grandchildren, Hallie, Ella, Liv, and Ascher Tankersley of Marienthal, Kansas; parents; sister, Adrienne & Efrain Prieto of Bandera, Texas; and aunt, Pat & Kenny Allison of Ashland, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, LeRoy & Emma McRae, and Ernest & Faye Appl; great aunt, Julia Henry; and brotherin- law, Werner Burch.
Graveside services will be held at the Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas, on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 10:30 am, with Mr. Kevin Clark presiding.
Memorials may be given to “Darren McRae Memorial Fund” in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, KS 67861.
There will be no calling times.
