With deep faith and the promises of eternal life, Darrell Halfmann passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the age of 62 years.
Darrell was born on July 4th, 1962, to Delbert and Betty Jean Halfmann. They brought him home to Stiles, Texas, outside of the farming community of St. Lawrence. Darrell grew up in a caring Catholic home where he learned the love of faith, family, and farming. He graduated from Garden City High School where he enjoyed playing football and participating in 4-H stock shows. Knowing he had always wanted to be a farmer and own his own business, his early success in life started with creating his own PVC pipe sales business and renting his first farm from his dad in St. Lawrence by age eighteen. With the help of his Uncle Jerome Hoelscher, who helped him buy his first tractor, and with the loving support from his parents, Darrell’s farming business began to grow. As a young man, Darrell enjoyed fishing at the Pecos River, deer hunting, skiing, golfing, and the occasional trip to Las Vegas with his many friends.
Darrell married the love of his life and his soulmate, Danielle Jansa, at St. Ambrose Church on September 9, 1989, in Wall, Texas. Darrell and Danielle started their lives together in St. Lawrence, where they farmed cotton and watermelons and enjoyed farm life. They were blessed with four children, and their lives were wonderfully busy with their children's activities. Darrell enjoyed watching them compete in sports, working alongside them for countless hours with stock show pigs, and teaching them how to lead a life full of faith. Hearing about their achievements always made him happy, and he was proud of them all for graduating from college.
Darrell had an aptitude for numbers and financials that he used to build a successful farming operation and was a hardworking man full of strength and wisdom. He not only farmed cotton, but he was also known to many as the ‘Melon Man.’ Nobody grew watermelons and cantaloupes like Darrell! His melon business sold melons across the entire state of Texas. Darrell also used his business sense and unwavering kindness to serve his community. He served five terms for a total of fifteen years as the longest serving board member of Glasscock County Co-Op, with the first nine years as secretary, and the last six years as president. He was also a member of the Glasscock County Junior Livestock Association Board. Darrell was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. When asked, Darrell always had the best advice; whether it was for broken farm equipment or a complex financial question, he always knew exactly what to say.
Darrell was a leading example of steadfast holiness and a devout Catholic. He prayed the rosary and chaplet daily, loved attending mass, and taught all those around him, especially his children, the true meaning of always putting God first in their lives. Darrell always had time for others; he was a faithful Catholic servant who led others to God by volunteering with the Small-Town Men’s ACTS Retreat, the Knights of Columbus, and as a member and former two-time President of the St. Lawrence Parish Council. He loved his faith and was a shining example of goodness for the St. Lawrence Catholic Church and community. Darrell truly embodied the essence of the Spirit of St. Lawrence.
Darrell will be missed by his family and friends. He loved a good meal, spending quality time with his family, traveling on trips, relaxing at the lake house on Lake Buchanan, gardening, farming, and embracing his newest role as Pa Pa to his granddaughter, Madelyn. Darrell has been taken from us too soon. He was beginning to enjoy his golden years and was looking forward to slowing down and spending more time with his family and friends. Our hearts are forever broken, and our families will always miss him dearly.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 35 years, Danielle, and his children Laura Michelle Halfmann and Eli Rex of Midland, Shanna Denee Rollwitz and husband Mason and granddaughter Madelyn Jean of San Angelo, Kamie Ann Kellermeier and husband Chad of San Angelo, and son Derek Kye Halfmann of St. Lawrence. Parents Delbert and Betty Jean Halfmann of St. Lawrence, and mother-in-law LaRita Jansa of Wall. Siblings Scott Halfmann and wife Tana, Ricky Halfmann and wife Becky, Jennifer Seidenberger and husband John, all of St. Lawrence, and Sherri Spruiell and husband TC of Lubbock. His in-laws Curtis and Marcie Holtman, Norm Jansa and Dan Hogan. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and his Godchildren Hope Foster and Mark Holtman. Darrell is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Daniel Jansa.
Darrell was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and son-in-law. Darrell will be remembered for his unwavering love, quiet strength, and his lasting example of holiness by all those fortunate enough to have known him. He will never be forgotten and will always be dearly missed.
The Rosary vigil will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Lawrence on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, at 4:00 pm. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church on Monday, January 20th, 2025, at 11:00 am. The burial will follow at St. Lawrence. Pallbearers for the service will be Carey Niehues, Jeff Turner, Jeff Rollwitz, Richard Watkins, Joseph Wilde, Gary Halfmann, Henry Chudej, and Kevin Hirt. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rory Niehues, Wayne Hirt, Roland Halfmann, Tommy Hoelscher, and Nathan Halfmann. Memorials in Darrell’s name can be made to the St. Lawrence Cemetery Fund, the Knights of Columbus, or St. Lawrence Catholic Church.
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