Obituary of Tom Darland

Tom Darland, a loving man with a gentle heart and a big spirit, entered eternal life with his savior and lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 3, 2019. His unending love for God, family, life, country, and friends was well known. Tom was born April 19, 1940, the son of Bernard and Rose Marie Darland, who predeceased him as well as his siblings Rosemary, David, and Robert. His surviving siblings are Jackie (Joe) Mikusko, Bonnie (Gilbert) Madden, Joyce (Russ) Moulton, Bernard (Ann) Darland, Jim (Ruth—deceased) Darland, Marilyn (Ron—deceased) Fleming, Cathy Dougherty, Elaine (Tom) Caulfield, Karen (Chris) Simpson, Kimberly Mitchell, and Michele (Jon) Radin. Tom married Betty Radosa in 1964 and they were proud parents of Stephanie (Jack) Cribb and Todd (Tracy) Darland. Betty predeceased Tom in 2001 after a courageous battle with cancer. Eight beautiful grandchildren live each day to remember their wonderful times with grandparents: Garrett Cribb, Audrey Darland, Sophia Cribb, Thomas Darland, Elizabeth Darland, Gus Darland, Henry Darland, and Leo Darland. In addition are numerous nieces & nephews, aunts & uncles, and in-laws. Tom's education included elementary years at Fleming School, a one-room, eight-grade facility; Sacred Heart Academy High School; Ferris State University; and Central Michigan University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree. In addition, Tom received professional certificates from the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Ohio State, and the University of Wisconsin in connection with his 34 years in the financial services industry. Tom served his country in the Army Reserves for six years and was honorably discharged as a First Sargeant (E-7). In 2005 Tom married Debbie Lester who survives him. She has a wonderful relationship with the whole family and has been a blessing to everyone. Tom was a wonderful husband, a great dad, a beloved papa, and a faithful servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He and his world-famous banana bread will be greatly missed. A celebration of Tom's life will be held on April 13, 2019. Services will include a Rosary at 10:30 a.m., 11:00 Funeral Mass, and a luncheon at St. Patrick Ryan Catholic Church, 4708 N. Meridian Road, Merrill, MI. His ashes will be buried at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Hemlock MI. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com All sympathy store items must be sent directly to the family home.