Daryl Schiff, Musician & Father Of Martina McBride, Passes

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Martina McBride and her late father Daryl Schiff

Daryl Schiff, musician and father of country music icon Martina McBride, passed away on Jan. 14 at his home in Sharon, Kansas. He was 86.

The Salutatorian of his 1956 high school class, Daryl went on to attend K-State and Southwestern College before joining the National Guard. A third-generation farmer, he operated a dairy farm before focusing on cattle and crops.

Daryl’s love of music was central to his life. He led the country rock band The Schiffters, where Martina and her brother Marty honed their skills. The band performed every Saturday night for 17 years, entertaining crowds at Elks Clubs, VFW halls, the Isabel Gymnasium and countless weddings. Daryl’s wife Jeanne managed the sound board during their performances.

After Martina moved to Nashville, Daryl continued performing, gracing stages like the Wilmore Opry and Concerts in the Barn. He recorded two albums in Nashville and performed twice at the Grand Ole Opry. His final public performance, drawing over 5,000 attendees, was at the Pratt County Fair on July 23, 2022.

In addition to his musical talents, Daryl was known for his love of cooking and gardening.

“I really don’t have the right words. My dad passed away Tuesday night. Our hearts are broken,” Martina shared in a social media post. “He was 86 and had an amazing life. He was a third-generation family farmer. He was also the leader of our family band, The Schiffters. He taught me so much about music, about life, about how to treat others.”

 

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A post shared by Martina McBride (@martinamcbride)

He is survived by four children: Stephen Alan Clark (Jean), Gina Lynn Leiker (Steve), Martina Mariea McBride (John) and Daryl Martin Schiff II (Janelle); 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and sister, Morea Marlene Bradley (Phil).

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Maxine Schiff, and his wife, Verla Jean Schiff.

A visitation was held on Monday (Jan. 20) at Larrison Funeral Home in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Funeral services were held today (Jan. 21) at First Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Daryl Schiff’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

LB Cantrell
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