Darvin Theon Willard, known affectionately to friends and family as Theon, left this world to paint the heavens on October 11, 2025. Born on August 7, 1961, in the quaint town of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Theon brought laughter and love into our lives for a wonderful 64 years before passing away of natural causes in Warrensburg, Missouri.
Theon was the life of every party, when he walked in you knew you were rocking with the best, and even in his passing, he’d want us to celebrate with joy rather than mourn with sorrow. Raised by his loving parents, Carl and Mary Helen Willard, and his stepmother, Imogene Fewell, who preceded him in death, Theon learned the value of family from an early age. His own family, including his children, Darvin Willard Jr. and Tarrell Vann, along with their spouses Amy and Erin, and his grandchildren Jade, Silas, Hannah, Malachi, Lennox, and Levik, were the apples of his eye and the punchlines to his jokes.Theon’s siblings, Shelba Williams and Gloria Mitchell, along with their husbands Frank and Charles, and his brother Craig Young. His stepbrothers, Charles “Sonny” Fewell and Mike “Frog” Fewell, and Aunt Maryetta Willard, shared in the laughter and love that Theon spread. His life was also touched by those who left before him, including his sister Peggy, brother Vincent, grandparents Mildred and Clyde, stepsister Carol, uncles Bobby and Melvin, aunts Edith and Momma Minnie, nephew Andre, and cousins Woodrow, Regina, Wayne, and Vicki.
Theon was known for his quick wit and even quicker basketball moves. His love for the game was only matched by his passion for music, cooking, and, yes, African American soap operas. The biggest lesson he gave, you had to pay attention through all the talk about food, was to be present and thoughtful about your life and your family. If you have a dollar, hide it! Pay your bills, if you don’t have anything left, at least you can go home! He loved to sit outside with his friends and family, for hours. He loved taking his great nieces and great nephews outside and letting them run wild. His relationship with his Nieces and nephews was definitely important to him. As he passed peacefully at his second home. He made sure he made fun and loving memories with the people he loved. He knew life was short and lived his life like there was no tomorrow! Today, we say goodbye to a man who was not just the heart but also the funny bone of our family. Theon’s legacy is one of joy, love, and the kind of laughter that echoes in the hearts of those he touched. While the world might be a little less bright without his physical presence, the memories of his jokes, his cooking, and his love for life will continue to shine in all of us. Darvin Theon Willard, you were a masterpiece, and like all great artists, your work will live on forever in the gallery of our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Theon, and may the angels be ready for some good old-fashioned fun. This is not our final goodbye, this is our time to say, Hey Theon, save us a seat and a plate!
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 17th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The Family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel Memorials are suggested to the Darvin Willard Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.