With deep sorrow and heartfelt respect, SMART-TD mourns the untimely passing of Brother Darryl Lennell Redmon, General Chairperson of GO-STU First Student 1704 (Kansas City, MO) who departed this life on May 26, 2025, at the age of 73.
A Leader of Principle and Compassion
Brother Redmon’s leadership style was characterized by empathy and respect for the voices of his fellow members. Whether representing operators at the bargaining table or encouraging member participation through grassroots outreach, he led with conviction and compassion. As noted by Sister Ethel Maze, Vice Chairperson of the General Committee and President of Local 1704:
“Mr. Redmon devoted himself fully to the betterment of our Local. He stayed late for meetings, passed out flyers to encourage membership involvement, and continuously inspired others through his dedication and tireless efforts. His commitment to our union and its members was unwavering.
Brother Redmon was truly one of a kind. His leadership, integrity and presence will be profoundly missed by all of us at Local 1704.”
A Calling, Not Just a Career
Though his tenure with our union was brief, the depth of his impact will be felt for years to come through the contracts he helped shape, the lives he touched, and the unwavering example of servant leadership he provided.
Brother Redmon joined SMART-TD in September 2022 as a school bus operator in Kansas City, Missouri. From the outset, his clarity of purpose and passion for advocating on behalf of working people set him apart. Within a year, he was elected Vice President of Local 1704, and in January 2024, he was elevated to General Chairperson, a role he embraced with humility, integrity, and a relentless drive to uplift his union family.
Outside his union roles, Brother Redmon lived a life defined by service. He was known for his love of family, dedication to the community and profound faith.
Honoring His Life and Work
Brother Redmon’s passing is a loss not only for Local 1704 but for the entire SMART-TD family. He is survived by his five beloved children, grandchildren, siblings, his dear special friend Angela Strass, and a host of family members, friends, and colleagues who all have our deepest sympathies. His devotion to his family and faith was as strong as his commitment to his union, and he carried both with grace and honor.
As we mourn, we also recommit ourselves to the mission that Brother Redmon lived every day: to protect, uplift, and unite each other through solidarity and service. His legacy will live on in every contract won, every member supported, and every child safely brought home by the operators he so passionately represented.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Redmon family and the entire Local 1704 community. May we continue to honor our brother’s life not just in memory, but in action.
Visitation for Brother Redmon will be held at Mount Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home (10507 Holmes Rd. Kansas City, MO 64131, on Thursday, June 5 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The funeral service will be held the following morning from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, June 6, at the Sheffield Family Life Center Assemblies Of God (5700 Winner Rd. Kansas City, MO 64127).
Brother Redmon’s Graveside Committal will be held at Mount Moriah Cemetery (10507 Holmes Rd. Kansas City, MO 64131, at 12:30-12:45 following the funeral service.