Darwin Brower, 85, of Holden, MO, passed away at Western Missouri Medical Center, in Warrensburg on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

Darwin was born September 18, 1938 in Albany, KY, to Mabel (Shelley) Brower and Vernie E. Brower.  The family moved to Holton, Indiana before he started school, and he completed his education there, graduating from Holton High School in 1957.   Darwin accepted Christ as his savior at the age of 16, and that decision powerfully shaped his life.  He attended Southwest Baptist Junior College in Bolivar, Missouri, for two years, and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri.  He later completed a graduate degree in school administration at Central Missouri State University (UCM).

Darwin's first job as an educator was as an English teacher at Odessa High School.  He met his wife Rebecca Campbell there, and the two married on March 27, 1964.  Darwin transitioned to school administration in 1969, and over the course of his career served as a public elementary, middle, and high school principal, as well as a school superintendent.  He worked in multiple Missouri and Illinois school districts, with most of his time spent in Holden.

Darwin was passionate about his faith and his family.  He also was committed to positively shaping the lives of young people through his work as an educator.  He had high standards for, and genuine belief in, the students he served in school.  He contributed to his community as a church deacon, Sunday School teacher, member of the Optimist Club, member of H.O.P.E. coalition, and chairperson of the Board of Public Works.

Darwin was preceded in death by his mother and father, his infant brother Gene, and his younger brother Jerry. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Rebecca; his sisters Darla Jones (Randy) Holton, IN and Diane Miller (Wayne) Huntsville, AL and sister-in-law Janet Brower (Holton, IN); his daughters Reboni and Dana (Overland Park, KS); his son Devran and daughter-in-law Kala (Shawnee, KS) and grandson Lucas; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, April 11th at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden, MO. The funeral service will be Friday, April 12 at 1 pm at Williams Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Sid Tiller of Northside Christian Church in Warrensburg officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Tabor Cemetery located north of Columbus, Missouri.

Memorial Contributions may be left to Holden R-III School Foundation, Show-Me Christian Youth Home, & Mt. Tabor Cemetery Association in care of Williams.