Darren Spires
Darren was born on June 9, 1965 to Reginald and Elsie Spires of Troy, Missouri. The baby of the family, Darren was adored by his sister, Regina and brothers, Dale, Richard and Dennis. He attended Hannibal-LaGrange college for 2 years and then found his niche in advertising for the Troy Free Press, Lincoln County Journal and then the St. Louis Post Dispatch. During his time at the St. Louis Post Dispatch, he won a trip to Rome, Italy for top sales. In addition to all his other talents, he loved to fly so he took instruction and earned both his private and commercial license.
Darren met his wife, Michelle, in 1987 and they wed in 1989 beginning a 30-year marriage. In 1994 they welcomed Austin into the family and Darren launched his real estate company, Patriot One. Courtney joined the family in 1997 and four years later, Morgan came along. His family was everything to him and being a dad came naturally to him. He was a boy scout leader, a baseball and softball coach, and a fan for his children in all hobbies and passions – volleyball, basketball, soccer, swimming, softball, dance, guitar lessons, music and so many other endeavors. He was always the biggest cheerleader, encouraging, and supporting the children to shoot for the stars, to work hard and be good people. Anyone who knew Darren knew how proud and loving he was towards his family and never failed to talk about them any chance he had.
In his own right, he was a great baseball player, enjoyed co-ed softball, volleyball and an adventure race or two. In high school, he was an active member in school activities, including drama and debate team. He had a love for animals, the outdoors, travel and any opportunity he had to spend time with his family and friends. Darren put a smile on everyone’s face with his positive attitude, amazing sense of humor, and genuine nature. He knew no stranger and was always outgoing; truly the life of every gathering. He had countless friends and was always eager to help others. He will be missed greatly.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Elsie and Reginald Spires, his brother, Richard Spires and father-in-law, Russ Kourik. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Spires, son, Austin Spires, daughters, Courtney and Morgan Spires; siblings Regina (Michael) Creech, Dale (Janice) Spires, Dennis (Ellen) Spires; sister-in-law Cindy (Phil) Brewer, mother-in-law, Jane Kourik and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration mass will be announced at a later date.
You have our deepest sympathy. The Berry family is lifting you up in prayer and keeping all of you close to our hearts. Peace.
So so sorry to hear this. Darren was truly a fun, and wonderful person. His sense of humor was witty, quick and smart. Our deep and heartfelt love and prayers to you all.
The Rybacki’s.
So sorry for your loss. I remember playing with Darren at Mammy’s. Condolences to you all.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. The Caffey family is thinking of you and praying for you all. He will be greatly missed!
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Darren was always such a kind person. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I’m going to miss you so much uncle Darren. Say hi to dad for me and I hope you know just how much I loved you and loved that you never judged me. You were the best uncle and godfather to me. I’ll miss you.
.Say hi to dad for me and I hope you know just how much I loved you and loved that you never judged me. You were the best uncle and godfather to me. I’ll miss you.
So very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family! Debbie Colbert
Our hearts hurt for you all. Great photos. He truly lived life to the fullest. Godspeed Darren ❤️
I always enjoyed getting together with Darren and Michelle. While it may not have been often, Darren was always interested in what was going on in other people’s lives . It was such a pleasure to just talk and have a few beers with Darren. A great person and a great sole.
As a fellow Buchanan High classmate of 1983, I’m saddened to hear of Darren’s passing. Sorry for your loss. He was a good friend.
We are so saddened to hear about your loss. Darren helped us buy our forever home. He was always fun to be around. Will miss him dearly.
So sorry to hear. Darren was one of my third grade students—and a little bit of a teacher’s pet! I always knew he would do well. I enjoyed seeing pictures of his beautiful family. Our sincere sympathy and prayers for his family. Nick and Kathy Allen
Our deepest symathies. We pray for your family – to hold your memories close and find comfort together.
My prayers are with the Spires family. He had a very full life and leaves a beautiful legacy
My condolences
I am truly sorry for your loss. Darren was such a nice and genuine person.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Darren’s family! I went to school with him for many years and graduated together. He was always a great guy and will be missed!????
So very sorry to hear about your loss. Darren was an amazing person. We were lucky to have the Spires to welcome us to Manchester when we moved in next door to you. Darren was funny, kind and he truly did love his family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Michelle, Austin, Courtney and Morgan, I am saddened and so very sorry for your loss. He was a great person, who loved deeply. I was always uplifted by our conversations, and I walked away from them feeling better for having had them; they showed his great love for his family and the greatness of his soul. I’ll be praying for him, and for all of you at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Darren’s passing. Our condolences and prayers to his family.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to your whole family. I was a classmate with him at Buchanan High and bowled on a bowling team with him back in ’78. He was a great person!
Darren was truly one of a kind and will be missed. Keeping you and his extended family in my prayers.
It’s been a few days and I still have no words. I will miss him and his beautiful smile so much. Love you guys.
We were saddened to hear of Darren’s passing. Our sympathy and prayers are truly extended to his wife and family and also to his siblings, Regina, Dennis and Dale. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thoughts and prayers to the Spires family. We met through CYC sports at St. Joseph when our son played on a couple teams with Austin. Darren was one of the friendliest people I’ve met. Always fun and easy to talk to. He was nice to everyone. I am sorry for your loss.
I did not know Darren but when my husband Joe heard of his passing he immediately commented “Oh, that’s such a shame! He was a great guy. He was hilarious.” He remembers sitting next to him at Volleyball games and Darren was always saying funny stuff.
Our deepest condolences.
So sorry to hear of Darren’s passing. I was just getting to know him and enjoyed our conversations. Prayers for Darren, Michelle and family. Your neighbor Jim Lauenstein
Darren will truly be missed. He was an extraordinary wonderful person who was so kind and loved his family.
He left the world a better place thanks to his kindness, charm and wit – a truly great guy. Prayers from our family to yours.
So sorry for the entire Spires family. You have my condolences.