Darrel Eugene Stuteville

The “Fabulous Mr. Fixit,” after a lifetime of helping family and friends, has gone on break.

Darrel Eugene Stuteville was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Harry and Elsie (Pillsbury) Stuteville. He passed away peacefully at home in Shell Knob, Missouri, surrounded by family, at the age of 86.

Darrel’s extraordinary mechanical and problem-solving skills began at age 10, helping his father repair motor vehicles in the family garage. He met his lifelong and inseparable companion, Mary Virginia Duguid, in third grade at Washington Elementary in Olathe, Kansas. After graduating from Olathe High School, they married in 1960 and purchased their first home on Navy Hill.

Darrel began working as a machine operator for the City of Olathe during high school. While working on city projects, he frequently delivered gravel to Lake Olathe, which later became a favorite destination for water skiing with family and friends. He continued his education at Central Technical Institute and joined Xerox Corporation as a technician, installing and supporting copiers throughout the Kansas City metropolitan and Topeka areas. He retired as a field service manager after a rewarding 34-year career, earning multiple service awards and lifelong friendships.

Darrel and Mary raised two sons, Kenneth Darrel and Gary Eugene. Family summers at Table Rock Lake created treasured memories. After supporting his sons’ college educations, Darrel retired from Xerox at age 54, beginning an extensive camping journey with Mary that took them to 45 of the 50 states. They made 22 annual winter trips to Florida to spend time with their older son and his family. Through their camping club, they formed lasting friendships and created countless memories, including a three-month Alaskan adventure worthy of campfire stories.

In 2004, Darrel and Mary settled in Shell Knob, Missouri, to be closer to their younger son and his family. They quickly became active members of their neighborhood community, where Darrel continued his lifelong tradition of helping others. He was a familiar sight driving his golf cart around the neighborhood, always ready to stop and lend a hand with a neighbor’s project.

Darrel cherished his family, friends, and lake life, continuing to enjoy the brightly lit sunsets from their lakeview home. His generous spirit, helpful nature, and signature “Bass Pro” T-shirts will be deeply missed by many.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Elsie Stuteville, and his sister, Sharon Rust. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary Virginia; sons Kenneth (Sandra) and Gary (Juliet); three grandchildren, Lauren Walker (Brian), Brooke Riley Raney (Robbie), and Michael Stuteville; and two great-grandchildren, Caden Riley and Harper Riley.

Celebrations of Life

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Darrel’s life at either of the following gatherings. In his honor, guests are welcome to wear their favorite Bass Pro shirt.

• October 31, 2026 | 9–11 a.m.

Charlie’s Event Center at Turkey Mountain Airport

24485 Airport Road, Shell Knob, MO 65747

• November 3, 2026 | 10 a.m.–noon

Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home

14275 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66062

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 193, Shell Knob, MO 65747-0193, or to a charity of your choice.