Darren L. McCarty age 53 succumbed to a long battle with cancer on Monday May 21st, 2018 at his home in Lincoln Nebraska. From his birth in Quincy Illinois on August 12, 1964 to Donna (Slater) and Martin McCarty to his death on Monday he has been a non-stop comfort and the director of the movie he has lived. Darren walked in love and he touched the hearts of many. He was born and raised in a small town and always had that characteristic grace of a small-town boy. His youth was spent “making a buck” to buy his own precious possessions. He loved music, he sang, danced, as well as do-see-dooed. Darren was a huge sports fanatic. His love of sports drew him to be a training assistant in high school for his football team and eventually he would study coaching at UNL. Darren became a Personal trainer and he was always in training mode ready to correct your form and tell you how to do things right. Darren was married on August 13, 2016 after a long courtship to Christopher Leon. Darren and Chris were married just two weeks before Darren was diagnosed with the primary liver cancer that would eventually take his life.
Darren is survived by his husband, Chris Leon of Lincoln, his parents Martin and Donna McCarty of Dunlap, Illinois, brother and sister-in-law, Aaron and Tammy McCarty of Carlock, Illinois. Many niece’s, nephew’s and cousin’s that he loved dearly.
Memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, May 25, 2018 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M Street, Lincoln.
Private family interment at Wyuka Cemetery.
Closed casket visitation will be at Wyuka Funeral Home on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from Noon until 8:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 6:00-7:00 P.M.
Family requests no flowers but donations to Angel Flight Central in memory of Darren.
I will miss you dearly, Bro. Love you lots.
Nothing prepares anyone for the loss of a loved one, despite intellectually we know we are all destined to leave. Those of us left behind are devastated. Darren will be lovingly remembered and horribly missed.
I’m so sad to hear that Darren passed so soon after finding his life-long partner. My condolences to all of you who loved him so much.
Chris, Take comfort in the time you and Darren had together. You two were so great together. It was such a pleasure to get to know you both. Darren will be missed by many. A kind soul to be sure.
Bill Porn
To the family Darren was a very good person. I enjoyed working with him at Home Depot. He will be truly missed
We count ourselves fortunate to have met and visited with Darren at our Branched Oak rally in April. So much grace and good humor! Chris, we did not get a chance to meet you then, but please accept our sincerest condolences for the passing of your beloved spouse.
Pat and Suzanne McNamara
I was so sad to see that Darren had died. He spoke to my Sociology classes for 15 or so years and I was so impressed with his positive attitude and how well he related to high school students! I enjoyed very much our chats before and after and having Wednesday pie at Village Inn. Sadly, I did not keep in touch more after I retired. Chris, Darren’s family, and friends, you have my deepest sympathy.
I was so sorry to see Darren’s obituary. He spoke to my Sociology classes for 15 or more years and I was always so impressed with his positive attitude and how well he related to my high school students! I enjoyed our chats before and after and meeting at Village in for Wednesday pie! Chris, Darren’s family, and to all his friends, you have my deepest sympathy.
To Chris: Both Ramin and I were so sad to hear the news of Darrens’ passing. Or regrets that we cannot attend the memorial service. As you know, I am also going through cancer treatments and I have chemotherapy today — but you are in our thoughts Chris and we are sending you love ans strength. ~Sue Wood & Ramin Shafaian
It seems silly to write this, but I wholeheartedly thought Darren would get through this. It’s like someone so strong would just beat cancer and cancer would give up and go away.
After losing my person, Chris, please know that Darren is always next to you. Love like you two shared simply doesn’t go away – and it truly inspires those of us who believe in soul mates.
Rest easy Darren, we got this. It’s our turn to console Chris.
Oh, Chris, I am so sorry to read this. I have such wonderful memories of Darren and you coming to Hastings College to enlighten our students, and then more memories of your amazing wedding. Thank goodness you found each other. Both of you showed such strength through the trials, and made the best of every day you had together.