Obituary for Daran Saint

Daran Saint

September 26, 1973 – October 11, 2018

A selfless old soul who was taken from this world far too soon…a brother, friend, leader, and son, Daran Saint left us all on October 12, 2018. While Daran might have been a “Saint” it was in name only, as his mamma would say. He took pride in being just a little bit stubborn and a little bit ornery. Born on September 26, 1973, he had a passion for all of life’s experiences, whether it was tormenting his little sisters, spending time with his grandfather, fixing up his ’78 Nova with Casey, having misadventures with his brother, Brandon, or experiencing his first live NFL game in Chicago with his dad. As an adult, Daran was like a fine whiskey that gets better with age. The rough edges smoothed out as he transitioned out of the Navy with multiple accommodations. He quickly earned his degree from Fort Hays State University and moved in to his career at CenturyLink and then fulfilled his dream of a mountain lifestyle in Colorado. He could reach a state of natural euphoria just flying through the mountains in his Jeep or on his dirt bikes, embracing nature and the beauty and freedom it provided. While professionally successful by all accounts, Daran didn’t find his true passion and calling until 2016 when he became a co-founder and CEO of a little start-up called Bonfire Engineering and Consulting. His transition from corporate leader to scrappy entrepreneur truly lit a fire in him and brought together a brotherhood that many strive to find their whole lives. He put his heart and soul into building Bonfire and making it something that everyone could be proud of. He found joy in coaching employees and being a provider to countless families. While Daran loved many people and things, from his Jeep to his old dogs to Tito’s and soda, his true love was Bonfire.

Daran was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gerald and RosaLee Sherman of Blackwell, OK and Max and Betty Saint of Goodland, KS.

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Sherry and Casey Spracklin of Blackwell, OK, his father, Mitch Saint of Wichita, KS, his brothers, Michael Saint of Dallas, TX, Brandon Saint of Blackwell, OK, sisters, Brooke Denton of Bethany, OK, Bridget Saint of Blackwell, OK, and step-sister, Amber Spracklin of Ponca City, OK, nephews, Riley and Devon Saint, Jhet Jackson, and Oliver Denton, nieces, Aimry and Londyn Saint, Kansas Saint, Brynlie Spracklin, and Adalyn Winters, and many more aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Daran didn’t just leave behind family, friends, and co-workers, he left a legacy… a legacy of thousands of lives that are better off for having known him, a legacy of a business that will continue to grow and live on because of him, a legacy of kindness to countless strangers that will never know his name. His memory will also live on in an endowment that is being set up at Fort Hays State University for kids who have great potential but sometimes get overlooked.

While words on a page or even a ceremony of friends and family can’t truly honor a great man’s life, we are sure going to try. Please join the family on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church, 524 West Coolidge in Blackwell, OK to pay tribute, share stories, and as he would want, be a little ornery. Friends and loved ones may pay their respects on Thursday and Friday, October 25th & 26th at Trout Funeral Home of Blackwell until 8:00 pm.

Casketbearers will be: Michael Saint, Brandon Saint, Casey Spracklin, Tracy Coltharp, Chris Terch, and Brian Hollister.

Memorial donations in Daran’s honor may be made to the American Heart Association.
Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home of Blackwell.

Source: Trout Funeral Home