Darrel Lee Christenson

Darrel Lee Christenson, 80, former resident of Kanorado, KS, passed away on June 22, 2017, surrounded by his family at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK.

Darrel was born on January 27, 1937 at the family farm in Kanorado, to Theodore R. and Virginia B. (Baker) Christenson.  He graduated from Kanorado High School in 1954.  Following graduation, he dedicated his life to farming along his side his father, until taking over operations fully upon his father’s retirement.

On July 30, 1966, Darrel was married to Frances K. Cornwell in Hobart, OK.  The couple resided on the family farm in Kanorado, until he retired in 2011.  In 2016 they celebrated 50 years of marriage.  He loved to spend his day on the tractor, fighting the Kansas winds.  He took great pride in his precious Hereford cow and calf operation.

Darrel enjoyed spending time with his family, driving the Kansas dirt roads checking wheat crops, taking in the wild life and beautiful sunsets.  His biggest thrills were shooting guns, riding motorcycles and using his son as an excuse to buy the newest toys.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Fran now of Piedmont; Son Darren Lee (Kahlene), Grandchildren Brycen, Tyler, and Leah Christenson of Yukon OK; Niece Donna (Bobby) Bortz and children Nicole and Chris of Newalla, OK.  Nephew Michael (Donna) and children Brandon, Courtney and Elissa Christenson of Dallas, TX; Cousin Dallas Christenson, Pensacola, FL; Cousin Twila (Bill) Bishop, McPhearson, KS; Cousin Cheryl (Baker) Corrigan, OK; Cousin Gary (Marlene) Baker, Valencia, CA; Cousin Ron Baker, Menifee, CA; Cousin Don (Janet) Baker, Menifee, CA; Brother in-law Newton Cornwell (Ranell) of Guthrie, OK; Nephew Trey (Amy) Cornwell, Guthrie, OK.  Nephew Rondall (Daniela) Cornwell, Edmond, OK.  And many other nephews and nieces and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; Brothers, Don and Ted; Sisters in-law, Betty and Helen; Nephew, Phillip; Aunt Ester Kneedler; Cousin Ilene Heyse and Dean and Paul Kneedler.

Visitation to be held at AE Funeral Home in Oklahoma City on Saturday, June 24th from 5 to 7 p.m.  Viewing will also be held on Monday at 9 a.m. before church services.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 26th, 10 a.m. at the Kanorado United Methodist Church.  Burial will be at the Kanorado Cemetery in Kanorado.

Memorials may be designated to the Kanorado Museum or the Kanorado United Methodist Church.

Arrangements for the services by AE Funeral Home in Oklahoma City, OK and Bateman Funeral Home Goodland, KS.  Online condolences may be left at www.batemanfuneral.com