CARBONDALE, Kan. – Daryl Jo Makowski, 60, of Carbondale, Kan., peacefully left this earth to go fishing in Heaven on Nov. 14, 2023. He was surrounded by family and friends during his last days. Daryl fought a long and courageous battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease for many years. Daryl was born Oct. 27, 1963, in Chicago, Ill., to Stan and Jean Makowski, who preceded him in death.

He grew up in Chicago and his family moved to Crystal Lake, Ill., after his fourth grade year. This is where he developed his love for animals, being outside, and family. He graduated from Central High School, in Crystal Lake, in 1981.

Daryl leaves behind the love of his life, Beckie, who he met in 1991, after he relocated to Carbondale. They married on Oct. 26, 1993, the day between their birthdays. He claimed he could never forget their anniversary that way. They were blessed with 30 years of marriage, two beautiful children, Jacob and Morgan (Michael), and a beloved grandson, Landon, all of whom miss him dearly. One of his greatest joys was playing with and reading to them as children and spending time with them as adults. He was the best dad!

The youngest of six, Daryl was preceded in death by his oldest two brothers, Carl and Jim. He was also preceded in death by a special nephew, John.

He is survived by his two brothers, Doug and Wayne; his sister, Pam; and numerous nieces and nephews.

For 25 years, Daryl worked at Kansas Association of School Boards as a printer and then most recently as a building manager. He took great pride in publishing the work sent to him. He enjoyed taking care of others and being the man behind the scenes. His colleagues would often describe him as kind, helpful and friendly.

When he wasn’t at work, Daryl filled his spare time with fishing and hunting, and piddling in the garage. He also loved planting flowers and taking care of the little pond in his flowerbed. Daryl was quite the jokester and played pranks on others. He had the uncanny ability to remember all the jokes he told. In recent years, he cherished the time he spent with his wife at Grace Point Church.

Always a magnet for babies and animals, Daryl was a soft-hearted dog lover all his life. Throughout the years, he shared his heart with many dogs and a few pesky cats. His beloved canine companion, Izzy, passed in August. We imagine Heaven is a little louder with the sweet reunion of them all.

A memorial service will be 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Grace Point Church, 5400 SW Huntoon St., Topeka, Kan. Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, 712 Ninth St., Baldwin City, KS 66006, is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations and contributions be made to Morningstar Care Homes of Baldwin City. The staff made the last year of Daryl’s life loving, comfortable, dignified, and supported our family equally as well. Condolences can be left at lamb-roberts.com.