Darrell Kirk Neff

Darrell lived life fully, loved people deeply, and had a way of making everyone around him feel like family. He was the kind of person who lit up a room simply by walking into it—the life of the party, always ready with a laugh, an adventure, a helping hand, a bear hug, or a reason to have a good time. His absence leaves a hole in our hearts that simply cannot be filled.
Darrell was born in a small mountain town named Show Low, Arizona, he was the second of eight children and the first son of Pat and Paul Neff. He grew up in Gilbert alongside his siblings Wendy, Paula, Patti, Pam, Bryce, Brenda, and Benton. With seven siblings, family was at the center of Darrell’s life from the very beginning, and that never changed.
He attended Mesa High School, graduating in 1986. Darrell was larger than life, even then. He played both offensive and defensive line on the football team, played baseball, and sang in the a cappella choir. Many will also remember his convertible van—and the good times and stories that seemed to follow wherever Darrell went. He loved working on old cars, fixing them up and selling them, and even as a young man he had an unmistakable drive and love for life.
After high school, Darrell received several football scholarship opportunities, but chose a different path. From 1987 to 1989, he served a two-year mission for the LDS church in Little Rock, Arkansas, beginning what would become a lifelong commitment to his faith and to serving others.
Darrell loved an adventure. Some of his happiest memories were made boating with friends and family, riding in the sand dunes, hunting and spending time in the mountains. He especially loved archery hunting for elk. Nature was where Darrell said he felt closest to God, and the mountains held a special place in his heart.
But as much as he loved the outdoors and a good adventure, nothing compared to the love he had for his children. His children, Austin and Alexis, and his granddaughter, Parker Rose, were the greatest joys and the pride of his life. Darrell showed up for the people he loved—and he showed up big. He fought hard for his family, loved them fiercely, and would do anything for the people he called his own.
And the beautiful thing about Darrell was that “family” extended far beyond blood.
He had an incredible ability to make people feel welcomed, included, and loved. Friends became family quickly with Darrell. His door was open, his phone was on, and if someone needed help, he was there. He woke up each day in a good mood, ready for whatever the day might bring and, more often than not, ready to do something for someone else. He gave generously, served constantly, and never was too busy to answer a call from a friend.
His faith was not simply something he spoke about; it was something he lived. Darrell continually served within his Christian community and quietly served friends, family, and strangers whenever he saw a need. He believed in showing up for people, and throughout his life, he did exactly that.
Darrell was preceded in death by his father, Paul, and his two sisters Wendy and Patti. He is survived by his mother, Pat; his son, Austin and his wife, Amelia; his daughter, Alexis; his beloved granddaughter, Parker; his siblings Paula, Pam, Bryce, Brenda, and Benton. As well as lifelong friends like Jason Evans, Kent & Wendy McClendon, Shane & Rosa Dickerson, Scott & Hillary Simmons, Mike and Cindy Eagar, Dean Lewis, Jason Farrell, BJ Knight, Kelly Freeman, Jeff McBride, and Eric Hoopes. D has an extraordinary number of loved ones who he considered family, whether they shared his blood or not.

Darrell lived an amazing, full life. There were adventures, stories, laughter, mountains, family gatherings, hunting trips, boats, sand dunes, friendships, faith, and a whole lot of fun.
There is never enough time for someone who loved life as much as he did, and he is gone far too soon.
The best way we can honor Darrell is to live a little more like he did.
To stop when we see someone who needs help. To answer the phone when a friend calls. To make room at the table. To love our people fiercely. To wake up grateful. To say yes to the adventure. To book the trip. To laugh loudly, give generously, and never miss an opportunity to make someone feel like family.
And whenever we do, we will be carrying on D’s legacy.

His life touched more people than he could have ever known, and the love, laughter, generosity, and faith he gave so freely will continue through all of us who were lucky enough to know and love him.