Darren Sturgis

Hello Everyone this is Chas, Darren's stepdaughter. Darren took me under his wing and treated me like I was his own flesh and blood. After my dad passed away, he stepped into a role, he never signed up for but he knocked it out of the park. Darren was a beautiful soul. He was kind, generous, intelligent, creative and absolutely the rarest of humans. Darren did not look at life in dollars but in what he could give and knowledge he could gain. He was always so happy to share his knowledge with others. He loved being outdoors, target shooting, mainly when it was cold out. We enjoyed looking at the stars together and i enjoyed all the facts he had to share. He found such joy in the smallest of things. I could live life a little slower with him around. We enjoyed time together. It didn't matter what we were doing, just as long as we could be together. I love Darren for everything he was and everything he wasn't. I loved his honesty. I loved that he found beauty within the flaws. We always made each other laugh. Darren understood my weird sense of humor and I understood his. There are so many special things about Darren. I could go on forever, but the one thing I want to say lastly, is that we could disagree and still find ourselves absolutely enthralled in learning more about each other's thoughts. He was not just a stepdad. He was my best friend.
Chas Smith

My mom has asked me to write a little something on her behalf. Sue is completly overcome with grief. She loved Darren for his selflessness and his love for animals. He was the driving force in making mom's dream for Cause for Paws a reality. What an amazing husband he has been over the 27 years of their marriage. Sue was amazed how loving and caring Darren was to everyone, but especially her. Sue will never be the same without him. She will carry him forever in her heart.
Adair Sue Sturgis

Darren C. Sturgis was born on October 23, 1964, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Darren was a talented artist, an avid animal lover, and a passionate outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, target shooting, and searching for hidden treasures—whether antiques, oddities, or forgotten gems with a story to tell.
Shortly after relocating from Massachusetts to Lincoln, Nebraska, Darren met Adair (Sue), the love of his life. He was a devoted husband to Sue and a loving stepfather to her daughter, Chas, whom he cherished deeply.
Darren retired as a Conductor with BNSF Railway, a career he took immense pride in. From a very young age, he dreamed of working for the railroad, and fulfilling that dream was one of his greatest accomplishments.
Darren provided behind the scenes support for their business Cause for Paws a non-profit thrift store that raises money for local animal welfare organizations and pet owners in need.
Darren is survived by his beloved wife, Adair (Sue) Sturgis; his stepdaughter, Chasity Smith; his brothers, Douglas (Marie) Sturgis and Dana (Jeanette) Sturgis; his nieces, Elizabeth Harman, Melissa Vukovich, and Jennifer Sturgis; and his nephew, Christopher Sturgis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Beverly Sturgis.
Darren’s loss is deeply felt, but the memories he created will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him—especially Sue and Chasity.

There will be a memorial service for Darren on March 28th, 2026, with a time and location to be announced soon.

Please share your cherished memories and photos of Darren on his memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a comforting reminder of his life and the love he shared with so many.
Contributions can be made to Cause for Paws Lincoln
Love
Marie and Doug