SPRING LAKE, Mich. – Claiming the promise of 2 Corinthians 5:8, which says, “We are confident … that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord,” Daryl Carter McNabb opened his eyes in heaven at 1:18 p.m. August 30, 2021. He was born June 22, 1933, in Melvern, Kan., to Tennessee Carter McNabb and Ellen Burns McNabb.
Daryl graduated from Melvern High School in May 1951, when he began working on the Santa Fe Railroad just outside of Melvern. In the spring of 1952, Daryl understood the Gospel and that he was a sinner in need of a savior. During the invitation at the Church of God in Melvern, his mother’s prayers were answered as he publicly committed his life to Christ.
In June 1953, he married the love of his life, Donna Ruth Sutton. In courtship and marriage, they were side by side for more than 70 years. In 1954, Daryl was drafted into the Army. After two years of service to his country, he and Donna moved to Greenville, S.C., where he began his studies to serve the Lord.
He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Bob Jones University, and he nearly completed his doctoral work before accepting the pastorate of Boiling Springs Baptist Church, near Greenville. They remained at Boiling Springs until 1964, when Daryl was called by Waverly Baptist Church, and he and Donna moved home to Kansas. While pastoring there, Daryl earned a Master’s of Education degree and for 10 years taught in Williamsburg Schools. In 1975, land was acquired north of Waverly, which became Peniel Bible Camp and Church. (The word Peniel comes from Genesis 32, and refers to the place to meet God face to face.) With his faithful helpmeet Donna, Pastor Daryl McNabb served the Waverly, Melvern and Williamsburg communities and beyond for more than 52 years.
In 2016, Daryl and Donna moved to St. Joseph, Mo., to live near their daughter, Melanie and her husband, Pastor Tony Buford. It was a delight for Melanie to have her parents close and attend church with them every Sunday. In the summer of 2021, Daryl and Donna moved to Spring Lake, Mich., to an apartment in their daughter Julie and Tom Kapanka’s home. Donna will continue to live with them in Michigan.
Daryl is survived by his wife, Donna Sutton McNabb; three girls (or “Darlings” as they were very often referred to by their dad), Julie (Tom) Kapanka, Spring Lake, Melanie (Tony) Buford, St. Joseph, and Nancy (Eddie) Mills, Burden, Kan.; and eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren affectionately referred to him as “Grandpa Horsey” because of their many fond memories of time with grandpa and the horses.
He was preceded in death by his infant son Rodney Dwane McNabb; parents, Carter and Ellen McNabb; four brothers, Dean, Charles, Eldee and Dwane; and two sisters, Fern Allen and Katheryn Meneley.
Due to local COVID considerations, immediate family will be present for a burial service on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Melvern Cemetery. However, family and friends will be invited to gather with the McNabb family for a celebration of life service June of 2022 at Peniel Bible Church.
Memorial gifts are designated to Trevor and Teresa Johnson, missionaries to Paupa, Indonesia. The gifts will be used to tell others about the hope we have in Jesus Christ, the gospel message Daryl preached for well over 60 years. Thank you for considering this ministry as a memorial. Checks can be sent to: Crosspointe Community Church, 2501 South Belt Hwy, St. Joseph, MO 64503, or contact Jones-Cambell Funeral Home, Burlington, Kan. See jonescampbellfuneralhome.com.
