Obituary for Darrell James Podlena | Parson Funeral Home (parsonsfh.com)
November 3, 1949 ~ October 23, 2021 (age 71)
Darrell James Podlena, 71, passed away Saturday, October 23, 2021, in Ellsworth, KS. He was born November 3, 1949, in Ellsworth to James and Doloris (Voeltz) Podlena.
Darrell graduated from Kanopolis High School in 1967, then attended Salina Vo-Tech. He started working at Independent Salt Mine in 1968. Darrell held several positions throughout the 48 years he worked at the mine before retiring in 2016 as purchasing manager. He knew a lot about the equipment and workings of the mine above and underground which made him very knowledgeable as the purchasing manager. Darrell was also one of the original members on the Independent Salt Mine Rescue Team and was a mine safety committee member.
He enjoyed coyote and coon hunting, gardening and raising poultry and pigeons, bowling and traveling to all of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities.
Darrell is survived by his son David Podlena (Traci) of Topeka, KS; daughter Ramona Blakley of Granbury, TX; son Daniel Podlena (Carrie) of Silver Lake, KS; daughter Crystal Podlena of Holyrood; grandchildren Donald, Jacque, Shayla, Dawson, Dray, Kensley, and Kylie; great-grandchildren Hazel and William; and brothers Roger Podlena (Gwenna) of Kanopolis, KS and Robert Podlena of Lake Tapawingo, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Michael Podlena.
Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2021, with family present 6-8 p.m., at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth.
Graveside funeral service: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Kanopolis Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.
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