Smithton R-6 School District Mourns Loss of Coach Sypes

Smithton R-6 School District noted the loss of coach James Darrell Sypes on Tuesday with the following message to parents and students:

The Smithton R-VI School Community was saddened to hear of the loss of our dear friend and longtime coach Mr. Darrell Sypes. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Darrell was a member of our school community for 17 years and left an impact on almost two decades of Smithton athletes as a coach for basketball and track and a fan of all.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered as a “True Tiger” of the Smithton R-VI School District. Please watch for ways to commemorate Darrell’s dedication to Smithton in the near future.

There will be additional grief counseling services available during the school day for students in need and we encourage everyone to seek help if needed.

Smithton canceled its varsity basketball games and senior night activities scheduled for Tuesday night until further notice. "More information will be made available as soon as it is deemed appropriate," the school said.

UPDATE: Funeral services for Darrell Sypes, 64, of Sedalia, formerly of Smithton, will be 10 am Monday, Jan. 30, at the First United Methodist Church Celebration Center, Sedalia. Burial will follow in the Laurel Oak Cemetery, Windsor. Visitation will be 2-4 pm Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor.