Velma Darlene Vermillion

Velma Darlene Vermillion, affectionately known as Darlene, peacefully departed this life on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the age of 96, at Asbury Village in her hometown of Coffeyville, Kansas. Born on November 11, 1928, Darlene was a cherished resident of Coffeyville, where she spent much of her life surrounded by family and friends.

Darlene was the daughter of Orvill and Gertrude Lorene (Keys) Meredith. She graduated from Field Kinley High School, where her passion for music and community blossomed through her participation in the Field Kinley Drum Corps from 1944 to 1946. On September 16, 1949, she married the love of her life, Melvin “Jack” Vermillion, at the First Christian Church in Coffeyville, marking the beginning of a beautiful partnership.

Over the years, Darlene and Jack created a loving home in Coffeyville, and later, they ventured to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she dedicated herself as a stay-at-home mother from 1961 to 1967. Her professional journey led her to 1st National Bank, in Coffeyville, and later to Republic Bank in Tulsa, where she spent 20 years before retiring in 1988. Her devotion to community service was evident in her active membership with the Eastern Star, where she worked diligently to rise to the position of Grand Matron. She also remained a lifelong member of The First Christian Church, contributing to the spiritual fabric of her community.

After the passing of her beloved husband, Jack, Darlene continued to call Tulsa home until moving back to Coffeyville in 2019, embracing the familiarity and warmth of her roots.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Orvill and Lorene, husband Jack, two infant brothers, and her sister, Emma Belle Sueltz. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, which will be carried on by her two sons, Brian Vermillion of Coffeyville, Kansas, and Jason Vermillion of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Darlene was also blessed with five grandchildren: Patrick (Jessica) Vermillion, Kim (Brian) Deweese, Kristen (Zaque) Hutchings, Kelsey (Ryle) Huddleston, and step-grandson Kole Carson, all of whom enriched her life. Additionally, her ten great-grandchildren, along with her three favorite nieces, Janet (Ron) Sandusky, Judi Stallings, and Sheri (Trines) Head, nephews, Larry Tilcock of Carson City, Nevada, and Gary Sueltz of Carl Junction, Missouri, and five generations of nieces will continue to honor her cherished legacy.

A Celebration of Life graveside service will be held in her memory at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Robbins Cemetery in Dearing, Kansas. Darlene’s profound impact on the lives of those she loved will forever resonate in their hearts, as they remember a remarkable woman who embodied kindness, dedication, and unwavering love.

To leave a message of condolence or share a memory for the family visit her obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com.