Darren M. Burns, age 58, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, NE.

Darren was born to parents Clearence and Patricia (Douds) Burns in Denver, CO on September 18, 1967. Darren graduated from Machubeuf High School in 1985. He then graduated in May of 1990 from Doane University in Crete, NE with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English

Darren enjoyed teaching and he felt that he made an impact on the kids. He also appreciated his time at Warren Village in Denver. Darren wished he could have taught longer but due to health problems, he moved to McCook to work at Ben Nelson Airport.

Darren married Jolene Gillette on December 31, 2005, in Denver. Together they had Darren’s first son, Joshua. The young family moved to McCook in 2006. They were together for three years until her passing in 2008.

Darren met Jennifer Hutchison while they were picking up their kids from McCook Elementary School. They had an instant connection and felt pulled to each other. The two were married on May 2, 2011, in McCook. Darren and Jennifer shared 15 beautiful years together, making a home full of love and kindness.

Darren was an avid Denver Broncos fan, he loved Halloween movies, passionate with anything aviation, and enjoyed watching Bruce Lee movies. He got all his kids hooked on Michael Myers and airplanes. He had a life outdoors in which he watched the skies and fed the birds and squirrels. There are many photos and videos of Darren feeding squirrels straight out of his hand.

Above all his hobbies and interest, his greatest love was being a dad and grandpa. Darren will be remembered for being a dedicated dad, a friendly kind and humorous man, and a firm supporter of human rights.

Darren was preceded in death by his mother Patricia Burns and his first wife Jolene Burns.

Those left to celebrate Darren’s life is his wife Jennifer Burns of McCook, NE; children Joshua (Jennifer Westrick), Sophia (Benjamin Butterworth), Ethan, Malia, Venancio “Vinny”, and Emanual Christian “Manny” Burns all of McCook, NE; father, Clarence Burns of Denver, CO; half-brother, Curtis Yarber of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Mateo and Delilah; and numerous extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Burns’ family to be designated at a later date.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service to honor Darren will be held at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, CO at a later date.