Darrell Urban

Darrell Urban, 76, of Freeburg, IL, born January 19, 1943, in Belleville, IL, died Friday, February 8, 2019, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Mr. Urban officially began his first career at Washington University, receiving his PhD in Musicology in 1976. He worked from 1969 – 1978 as a band director for the Clayton and Ladue school districts in Missouri. His specialty instrument was the trumpet and later became all the lower brass instruments.  In 1979, Darrell left his music career to help his family in caring for his sick father and helping to run the family business, Midwestern Propane Gas Company.  In his return to the family business, he specialized in propane carburation. Beginning in the mid 1980s and until his death, Darrell served as President and CEO of the company.  In addition to his company responsibilities, Darrell also served as past president of the Illinois Propane Gas Association, past chairman of the Illinois Propane Education and Research Council and held multiple positions in the National Propane Gas Association.  He was a founding member of the ‘Quack Pak,” an international association for independent propane marketers. He also was a former president of the Belleville Rotary. In 1999, Darrell launched Hearthside Grill and Fireplace Ltd. which grew into its own flourishing business and in 2014 was sold to his nephew, Mark Urban.

Darrell was a rugged individualist and an avid outdoorsman; an accomplished water skier, big game hunter, fisherman, canoer and rock climber.  As a mountaineer, he climbed Mt. Rainer and the Grand Tetons. Throughout his entire life he enjoyed music and he always enjoy playing in concert with other musicians.

Darrell was always a motorcycle enthusiast of the highest caliber. In the recent past he joined an international motorcycle association, the Latin American Motorcycle Association, and served in many positions within the St Louis Chapter including Vice President.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew A. and Eileen, nee Tibbitt, Urban; two brothers, Andrew R. Urban and Donald W. Urban; and his grandparents, Andrew “AJ” and Martha Urban.

Surviving are his wife of nearly 49 years, Susan, nee Purcelli, Urban, whom he married March 20, 1970;
two sisters-in-law, Gigi Dowling Urban of Belleville, IL and Doris Jean Scott of Claremont, CA;
nephews and nieces, Mark Urban of Belleville, IL, Bethany (Kris) Thilmont of Lake Geneva, WI, Kathryn Jean     Scott of Los Angeles, CA, Jared Urban of Mascoutah, IL, and Jennifer (Mat) Missey of Belleville, IL;
and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorials may be made to Backstoppers, to the Randolph County Humane Society, or to S.A.VE. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 14, 2019 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, February 15, 2019 at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 15, 2019 at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.  Burial will follow at Green Mount Protestant Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

Arrangements by George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL