Darlene Speer

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Darlene Speer, age 90 of Baxter Springs, passed away at 3:10 PM on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Quaker Hill Skilled Nursing Facility in rural Baxter Springs.

Darlene was born in, Galena, KS, on November 21, 1934 to the union of Elza V. Alexander and Goldie E. (Smith) Alexander. She graduated from Cherokee County Community High School. She earned her license as a beautician and owned a salon in Cherokee, KS before moving to Joplin, Mo, where she worked as a waitress at the Connor Hotel. She then traveled the world, before settling down in Baxter Springs, KS. 

Most recently, she had worked for both the State of Kansas and Windsor Place Home Care until her retirement. She enjoyed reading, cooking, Sunday drives, and listening to music. It wasn't uncommon to catch her dancing at the kitchen counter while preparing her recipes. Her granddaughter and family would often have "Beer and Pizza" Friday nights, where she would always agree to participate with "just one beer". She loved spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids.

She was united in marriage with Harry Speer in Baxter Springs, KS on September 25, 1992. He preceded her in death on September 20, 2010.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Elza and Goldie Alexander.

Survivors include one son, Lional Outt (wife, Marie) of Columbus, KS; two grandkids, Chris Outt of Tulsa, OK, and Caren Hall (husband, Ray Vazquez) of Baxter Springs, KS; three great-grandchildren, Justin Hall, Lilliana Vazquez, and Adriana Vazquez; and two special cousins, Teresa Edwards of rural Cherokee County, KS, and Regina Daily of Oklahoma City, OK.

Ms. Speer has been entrusted to Derfelts Baxter Chapel for cremation. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at Derfelts Baxter Chapel. Private family burial will take place at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery of Galena.




Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.