Mr. Daren L. Gilliam

On February 18, 1968, a legend was born by the name of Daren Lamar Gilliam. Daren was born in Hamburg, Arkansas to Miss Jo Ann Gilliam, and Lamar Lambert. Sixteen months later his best friend, and brother Michael D. Gilliam was born. Shortly afterward their mother decided to relocate the family to Los Angeles, California. Daren was raised and reared in California by his mother and maternal grandmother Francis Gilliam. Daren received his education in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from Bethune Junior High in 1983, and George Washington Preparatory High School in 1986. Afterwards he enlisted in the US Army; he was discharged in 1990. He loved to talk about his days as a Mod, wearing his trench coat with his Doc Martins and locs. His groups name was called the BTH boys. His next favorite thing to brag about was how he trained with Billy Blanks. He enjoyed watching movies, being philosophical, being a gun enthusiast, and his family. Daren spent much of his younger life with his brother Michael and cousins who were more like siblings Sheila, Shirley, and Steve. They all had a special bound thanks to Grandma Francis. Daren, Michael, and Steve were definitely a triple threat of all kinds of mischievous boy behavior. Daren was a natural leader of the children in the family. At home he was expected to be the man of the house. He was a quiet and reserved person. He didn’t let a lot of people in his circle. If he did, he was genuine about his feelings. When he needed to, he definitely knew how to step up and protect his family. In 1992, Daren met Cynthia Barnes; from that relationship his one and only blessing a son King Kefing B. Gilliam was born. He continued to reside in California for a few more years before deciding to relocate to Kansas City, MO. He was employed with the City of Kansas City working at City Hall for over 20 years until his departure. Daren is preceded in the death by his mother, Jo Ann Gilliam; father, Lamar Lambert; and maternal grandmother, Francis Gilliam. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved son, Kefing Gilliam; (Mother, Cynthia Barnes); his brother, Michael Gilliam; and sister, Romona Stanley; nephews, Duan; and Tyrell Gilliam (Constance); Malik; and Shomari Gilliam (Shaunte'); aunt, Di Ann Dupree; and cousins Shirley; Sheila and Steve Thorne; uncle, John Collins; special friend/brother, Jihad Hasheem; and many others. " My Big Bro.....The Baba......Watuzi Rebelz" Mike G*0 Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at Lawernce A. Jones and Sons Funeral Chapel 1800 East Linwood Blvd. KCMO 64109. Interment: Leavenworth National Cemetery, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 2:30 P.M. Visitation: 2-3:00 P.M. at the Chapel. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolence may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com.

Mr. Daren L. Gilliam

February 18, 1968 - May 28, 2024