Darrel E. Bilyeu, 79, passed away Monday, September 12, 2016, at the Comanche County Hospital in Coldwater, KS. Born September 7, 1937, at Yates Center, KS, he was the son of Estol and Helen (Rork) Bilyeu.
Darrel was a lifetime resident of Coldwater, KS. He graduated from Coldwater High School in 1956. He graduated from Pratt Juco and attended Emporia University, playing on a football scholarship at both schools. He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1960-1962.
On June 6, 1964, he married Catherine Dunlap at Coldwater, KS. She survives.
Darrel was a member of the First Christian Church in Coldwater, KS. He worked for Coldwater Motors for 23 years and worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation from 1983 until his retirement in 2005. Darrel enjoyed nature and all things involving the outdoors, including fishing, rides around the lake, and spending time on the farm.

He is survived by his wife: Kathy Bilyeu of Coldwater, KS; two daughters: Debra Bilyeu-Hackney and husband Don of Wichita, KS and Jerri McKnight and husband Steve of Coldwater, KS; one brother: Don Bilyeu of Larned, KS; and five grandchildren: Mitchell and Lida Howard of Hays, KS, Seth McKnight of Coldwater, KS, and Madison Johnson and Makayla Loggins of Wichita, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother: Bobby Bilyeu; and one sister: Bonnie Bass.

A private family service will be held at a later time.

Memorials may be sent to Pioneer Lodge in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.