Darrell Gene Kahl

Darrell Gene Kahl, 87, of Jonesboro, passed into eternal life on October 22, 2023 at St. Bernards Medical Center where he had received excellent and compassionate care. Darrell was born to the late Gene and Lucille (Hann) Kahl on October 29, 1935 in Springfield, Illinois. He grew up in Taylorville, Illinois and lived in Jonesboro since 1982.

Darrell was very active in his Christian faith, his family and his community. He volunteered at the Helping Neighbors Food Pantry, serving many Thanksgiving dinners. As a long-time elder of Trinity Church and a founding member of City Gate Worship Center Jonesboro, he gave unselfishly of his time and was a prayer warrior and gifted teacher of the Word. Always sharp, he was often sought out for advice and counsel. His dedication to spreading the Gospel through his actions never wavered.

Darrell was a graduate of the University of Illinois, where he met the love of his life, Dina Eagleton. They married on December 22, 1957 and celebrated over 65 blessed years together raising a family of three children. Darrell spent his career in the corrugated paper industry, retiring from Jefferson Smurfit Stone as their General Manager in Jonesboro. A highlight of his week was going to the Trim Gym with Dina, where he was greeted by many friends. He enjoyed socializing and working out in equal measure. Another activity he always looked forward to was his Thursday Men’s breakfast with friends.

Darrell is survived by his loving wife, Dina Kahl; devoted children and their spouses, Heidi (Kevin) Sickles, Cheryl Quinlan, and Richard (Linda) Kahl. He loved his 6 grandchildren: Erica Cashion; Taylor Quinlan; Brittney and Brandon Kahl; and Michael and Matthew Sickles. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara Kahl and niece Tammy (Paul) Kochan. He was looking forward to being reunited with loved ones who preceded him to heaven, including his parents, his brother Richard “Dic” Kahl, nephew Craig Kahl, and many treasured Eagleton family in-laws.

Visitation will be held Saturday October 28, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Emerson Funeral Home. A funeral service officiated by Pastor Bill Barber will follow immediately at 2:00 PM, after which Darrell will be laid to rest at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will include Richard Kahl, Brandon Kahl, Taylor Quinlan, Michael Sickles, Matthew Sickles and Kevin Sickles. Those honored to serve as honorary pallbearers include Vilas Elder, Joe Rogers, Elton Porterfield, Richard Thurman, and Joe Pace.