Darwin graduated from Shelton High School in 1960, Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1964, and went on to receive his master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado. He and his wife, Karen, moved to Denver, CO, to teach in the Jefferson County School District for 34 years, where Darwin received multiple outstanding teacher awards and was active in the teacher’s union throughout his career. Moving to Denver broadened his perspective, and while there Darwin became an advocate for fair housing, civil rights, and equality for all people. He was an active and passionate supporter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church and the Democratic Party. Darwin would call his daughters, every election, to remind them to vote. He retired and moved back to Lincoln, NE, in 1998, where he continued to serve as a substitute teacher for many years. Darwin loved spending time with his family and grandchildren (whom he truly adored), gardening, landscaping, and his koi pond. He enjoyed diversity in culture, people, food, and live music, all of which led to his love and appreciation for New Orleans, where he and Karen visited often. You could often find him enjoying local bands at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln, NE. Darwin had a tremendous gift for connection. He possessed an innate ability to relate to any person and could always find commonalities with people no matter where he was.
The Darwin Blue family is grateful to Sarah Schroeder, Dr. John Steuter, Dr. Ryan Shelstad, Dr. Mathue Baker and the LVAD heart team at Bryan Medical Center, Dr. Matthew Glathar with Lincoln Nephrology, Dr. Alan Berg with the Cancer Partners of Nebraska, and St. Croix Hospice for their compassion and excellent care.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Karen; children, Amanda Blue (Tony Scott) of Lincoln, Marni Dasbach (Bob) of Frankfort, IL; grandchildren, Logan Blue Dasbach, Maycie Janice Dasbach, Lincoln Blue Scott; brother, Duane Blue (Theresa) of Ridgecrest, CA; sister, Danece Meyer (Jim) of Bluehill, NE; nieces, nephew, brothers- and sisters-in-law, extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 1, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Lincoln (6300 A St.)
Reception to follow at the Zoo Bar (136 N 14th St).
Memorials to Center for People in Need, 3901 N. 27th Street, Lincoln, NE 68521; Lincoln Children’s Zoo, 1222 S. 27th Street, Lincoln, NE 68502; or Food Bank of Lincoln, 4840 Doris Bair Circle, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68504.