Richard E. Darby, 81, of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Lexington, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Lincoln.

He was born on May 31, 1944, in Lexington, Nebraska to John and Ruth (Stuckey) Darby. Richard grew up a country boy three miles east of Lexington. He attended District 3 and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1962. They were the first class to graduate out of the new building.

Richard went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska- Kearney with his teaching degree in 1966, later teaching Driver's Ed in Sumner, Nebraska. He then moved to Lincoln where he taught shop for over 25 years. During the summer's while he was in college, he worked with heavy equipment and was part of the building crew for the marina at Johnson Lake.

While in Lincoln, Richard became a Mason, which was part of a family tradition with his uncle and cousin where were also Mason's.

After retirement, Richard enjoyed traveling, making trips to Sturgis and went South several winters. He was also involved with several coffee groups. Richard greatly enjoyed a cold beverage and visiting with his friends.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his two brothers-in-law, Ray Houser and Darrell Evans.

Survivors include his sister, Carolyn Evans (Karl Johnson) of Lexington; nephews, Bill (Judy) Houser of Alvin, Texas; Joe (Rachel Brecks) Houser of Lexington, and Wes (Jen) Houser of Lexington; great nieces and nephews, Dana (Mike) Abramson of Loomis, Rory (Wes) Shuksta of Tucson, Arizona, Patrick (Jessi) Houser of Alvin, Texas, Pete Houser of Lexington, Emily (Oscar Bojorquez) Houser of Kearney, Claire (Todd) McCoullough of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Haley (Julio) Orantes of Lexington; 4 great-great nephews, as well as extended family and friends.

A Private Family Burial will be taking place.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com