Daryl Litton, 72, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed away on December 17, 2025. Daryl was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma, on January 6, 1953, to Keith and Marcille Litton, and spent most of his childhood in Wellington, Kansas.

During his teen years, the family moved to Amarillo, Texas, where Daryl attended both high school and college. As a very young child, Daryl exhibited a natural gift for music and went on to become a very talented pianist. After studying music in college and working for the local newspaper, Daryl turned his attention to the railroad, following in the footsteps of his father.

Daryl started with the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railway as a telegrapher in 1973, and remained with them throughout his career, rising to the position of Assistant Director of Operations Safety before retiring from the BNSF Railway in 2013. Daryl had a true interest in all aspects of trains as a hobby, and he had a real passion for the railroad as a career, meaning he spent his lifetime doing what he loved.

After retiring, Daryl moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, where he enjoyed woodworking, traveling the US and Canada with his wife, Kathleen, in their RV, and making new friends along the way.

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Marcille Litton, and his nephew, Ward Ellis.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Kathleen Litton; sister, Donna (Ray) Ellis; cousin, Nancy (David) Dannels; children, Donavan (Shannon) Nelson, and Jeanette (Keith) Chapman; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 am, with refreshments immediately following, at the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista, 1880 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, AR.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests live plants or donations be made to the Cancer Research Institute.