Darel Kent Crofts

Darel Crofts
Richfield, Utah

Darel Kent Crofts, 83, passed away September 24, 2021 at his home in Richfield.. He was born November 16, 1937 in Kanab to Edward Arlos and Mary Turcsanski Crofts.  He married Charlett Washburn on March 24, 2007 in Bluffdale, Utah. The marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Temple.

Darel spent the first half of his life as a rebel. The latter in search of atonement. Throughout it all he was a loving and caring human being. His search is now over. We will miss him.

And then there are the godly ones. There are not many. Those whose life touch is so profound as to leave its mark forever.  They change us with understanding, action and genuine concern. They don't seek attention but work humbly in the background, asking for the least and doing the most. Wanting none of the gratitude we can’t help but feel, they make us more than we are, and want better from ourselves.  They show us what humanity looks like… their light shines the way.

When Darel started getting active again in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alton Christensen asked him if he would drive him and his “merry widows” to the temple on Tuesday mornings.  From that time forward, Darel got his own temple recommend and drove on Tuesday mornings as well as worked in the temple himself for the next 21+ years. Darel loved the temple. It was his greatest joy. Darel drove for lots of events such as the Manti Pageant and other things for various groups for years. When he started driving the school bus he learned to love the kids. Retiring from it was difficult to leave the kids, but whenever they saw him in the store or anywhere they would run up to him shouting, “Darel, Darel”. They loved him, too.

Survived by his wife; children: Charles Crofts, Salt Lake; Alexis Smart, St. George; Charlett’s children: Marti (Mark) Gaylord, Ranch (Dana) Pratt, Ashly (Adam) Gallegos; 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; siblings:  Katharine Edwards, Steve Crofts, Larry Crofts, Garth Crofts, Sylvan Crofts.

Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Crofts; sister, Darlene Krauchuk.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Richfield 3rd Ward Chapel. Friends may call Friday evening from 6-7 at the Magleby Mortuary, or at the ward chapel Saturday morning from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery with military honors by the V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050.  Live streaming and Online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com under Darel's obituary. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.