UHS Athletics Hall of Famer Daryl Dell Dies Battling Kidney Failure, Leaving Family Heartbroken!
September 25, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 25, 2026
Former Union High School and Southwest Missouri State University football player Daryl Dell passed away on September 24, 2026, battling kidney failure and sepsis with shock.
Daryl Dell is survived by his extended family, including his daughter Destiny Dell.
The football player, Daryl, was also proud of his 30-year career with the Missouri Highway Patrol.
On September 20, 2026, his daughter, Destiny Dell, shared a heartfelt post on Facebook asking for help for her father, who was fighting for his life in the ICU.
She explained that he was battling kidney failure and sepsis with shock.
Destiny shared a link to help with medical expenses in the post.
Likewise, she spoke of her father’s deep connection to Union, Missouri, where he was born. She also wrote about his love for football, which he played with passion at Union High School.
Destiny revealed that Daryl often shared stories of his high school football days, especially memories with his teammate and friend, Rick Vemmer.
Sadly, on September 24, 2026, Destiny shared the heartbreaking news that her father had passed away.
Despite the tragic incident, she thanked everyone for their kindness, writing:
thank you to everyone who has reached out and showed kindness to our family in this time.
Daryl Dell played football at Union High School. (Image Source: )Daryl Dell was a member of the Union High School Class of 1976.
Affectionately known as “Pooh Bear” and “Super D,” Daryl was a star football player for the Union Wildcats.
After Daryl Dell’s passing, his best friend, Rick Vemmer, whom Daryl often spoke about to his daughter, posted on Facebook to share memories of their time both on and off the field.
Rick wrote about his achievements and football career:
He was a standout athlete in just about everything he played. None more than football, where he held many offensive and defensive school records for many years.
Daryl’s talent shone brightly in the 1974 and 1975 seasons, where he set numerous school records.
He still holds the Union High School record for the most points scored in a career, with an impressive 252 points.
Eventually, his skills earned him All-Conference, All-District, and All-State honors as both an offensive and defensive player.
Daryl’s contributions to Union High School athletics were recognized twice by the UHS Athletics Hall of Fame.
He was first inducted in 2018 by the 1975 Wildcats team.
Later, on October 19, 2026, on his birthday, Daryl was honored again as an individual inductee, a moment for which his friend Rick was proud to nominate him.
Daryl was never shy about sharing his pride in his accomplishments, as Rick said:
He was very proud of his accomplishments, and he wasn’t shy to let you know.
Daryl Dell was battling with kidney failure at the time of his passing. (Image Source: )Beyond high school, Daryl continued playing football at Southwest Missouri State University.
At the end of his post, Rick remembered Daryl as someone he did everything with growing up in Union, saying:
Rest easy my loyal friend. May God bless his family at this time. I’ll see you one day again and can’t wait to hear all your stories. Love you Brother. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Meanwhile, arrangements for Daryl’s memorial have yet to be announced. During this difficult time, we pray for the strength of Dell’s family.
Rest Easy, Daryl Dell!
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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.
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