Funeral services will be held at Belton High School in the Performing Arts Center, 801 W. North Ave. Belton, Missouri 64012. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 9, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Raymore Cemetery in Raymore, Missouri.
Daryl was born in West Plains, Missouri on November 26, 1975 to Mike and Linda Cronk. A graduate of Belton High School, Daryl continued his education attending the University of Central Missouri and Pittsburg State University. In life, Daryl was blessed with three children, Blake, Brett, and Bailee, whom he made many lasting memories with.
To know Daryl was to know his love and passion for baseball. He started his career playing at Belton High School where he complied numerous baseball records and was later inducted into the 2014 Athletics Hall of Fame. As a player at Pittsburg State, he compiled numerous accolades including; NCAA-II 2nd Team All America, 1997 Pitcher, NCAA-II All-Region 1997-98 1st Team, NCAA-II All Region 1997 Central Region Pitcher of the Year, and MIAA All-Conference, 1997-99. In addition, he set PSU records for career victories (27) and innings pitched (258 2/3) while compiling a 27-12 record with a 3.51 ERA in 48 career appearances. He was inducted into the Pitt State Hall of Fame in 2014. He went on to further his education at UCM where he was an Assistant Coach and helped the 2010 Mules Baseball Team to the Division II World Series. That team was later inducted into the Mules Hall of Fame. In 2011, he became the Head Coach at Avila University. While at Avila, he has compiled over 250 wins, 2 Conference Championships, 3 NAIA National Tournament Appearances, five 30+ win seasons, and was a 2 time HAAC Coach of the Year. The 2012 team was later inducted into the Avila Athletics Hall of Fame.
About five years ago Daryl met the love of his life, Kristyn Spiller and was also blessed with the love of her two daughters, Pyper and Londyn. Daryl’s talent did not stop with sports. He was also an incredible musician, playing guitar and singing for various events. Daryl also recently picked up wood working and was developing a knack for it.
Daryl was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Patrick and Mildred Cronk; and maternal grandparents, Carl and Veda Mattison.
He is survived by his three loving children, Blake, Brett, and Bailee Cronk; parents, Mike and Linda Cronk; love of his life, Kristyn Spiller and her children, Pyper and Londyn Spiller; two sisters, Sherri Purett and Carla McArthur (James); and seven nieces and nephews, Preston, Paige, Porche`, Parker, Emilee, Elliette, and Duncan.
Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278
