Darrell Bracher

Darrell Lee Bracher, 73, of Tebbetts, passed away Monday, April 23, 2012, at his home. He was born April 30, 1938, in Waukegan, Illinois, a son of the late LeRoy Harris and Elma Ione (Willis) Bracher. On March 17, 1984, Darrell was united in marriage in Jefferson City, to Patricia "Pat" (Rackers) Nilges, who survives at their home. Darrell was a longtime Union Painter, until he retired in April 2000. He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Holts Summit, and the Knights of Columbus Council #8400. He was a veteran of the United States Army - Airborne Division and served during the Korean War from October 31, 1955 - October 15, 1958. He enjoyed horseback riding, deer hunting, playing guitar and singing. He loved his animals, and most of all, he loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family. He always had a big heart, and always found time to help other people with their farms. Including his wife Pat, Darrell is also survived by three children: Curt L. Bracher (fiancÈe Stephanie Sims) of Holts Summit, Vivian I. Pittman of Holts Summit, and Christine S. Eiken of Holts Summit; three step-children: Michael D. Nilges (wife Angela) of Jefferson City, Jeffrey L. Nilges (wife Candy) of Hallsville, and Steven B. Nilges (wife Melissa) of Holts Summit; one half-brother: Roger L. Bracher of Minneapolis, Minnesota; one half-sister: Mary H. Vaterlaus of Jacksonville, North Carolina; 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law: Arthur Rackers and Donald Rackers (wife Grace), both of Loose Creek; two sisters-in-law: Rosella Rackers of Loose Creek and Mary Bell of Jefferson City; and numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Darrell was also preceded in death by a brother: Terry L. Bracher. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Holts Summit, where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 26, 2012, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, with Rev. Msgr. Gregory L. Higley officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Andrew Catholic Church for Masses, in memory of Darrell. Arrangements are under the direction of SLATER-MILLARD Family Funeral Chapel, 540 South Summit Drive, Holts Summit, MO 65043. (573) 896-5959. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com