John Darwent

John David Darwent, 75, died Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia MO, after a short illness. 

John was born September 7, 1949, at Woodland Hospital in Moberly, Missouri, to Margaret Maxine and Joseph Monroe Darwent who preceded him in death.  He graduated from Renick High School in 1967 and then completed a General Education course of study at Moberly Junior College in 1969.  After completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry at the University of Missouri-Columbia, John entered the United States Army and was sent to Washington DC where he was given a stenographer job because he could type and take shorthand.  He received an honorable discharge in October 1977 and when questioned about what he did in his job as a stenographer he had very little to share-leading family and friends to believe that he assisted with some high-level correspondence and communication and maintained the secrecy his job required. 

John began work for the Norfolk Southern Railroad and retired as a supervisor after 30 years of service. 

He and Jill were married on October 17, 2003, in Clark Missouri.  She survives him.  Other survivors include: a daughter and son in law, Stacey and Greg Roth of Clark Missouri, two grandchildren, Tanner and Kerigan Roth, a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph Edward and Patricia Darwent of Clark, a sister, Bettie Jo Donaldson, of Centralia and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.  

Services will be held at 1pm Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in the Cater Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow in Chapel Grove Cemetery, Clark, MO.  Visitation will begin at 11:00am until the time of service. 

John loved the Lyceum Theater at Arrow Rock Missouri and held season tickets for many years.  He especially enjoyed the plays-Jill especially enjoys the musicals, but they chose to appreciate each other’s preference.  To honor John’s memory, memorial contributions are suggested to the Lyceum Theater to further the entertainment opportunities the theater provides.