Leon Leonard Darr

Leon L. “Pal” Darr, 88, of Dowagiac, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac. A Celebration of Life Service will be held graveside, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 12:00PM at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. Pal was born January 4, 1932, in Dowagiac to Louis and Katie (Hein) Darr. He graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1950. On October 3, 1953, he married the love of his life, Mary (Murphy) Darr, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dowagiac. He worked for Sundstrand as a Product Design Manager for over 40 years before his retirement. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, watching football, and spending quality time with his family. He was known to be a hard worker and strived for perfection in everything that he did. Pal had a strong, unwavering faith in God which was evident through his long-time commitment to St. John’s Lutheran Church. He will always be remembered for his gentle spirit, acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion in helping others. Most of all, he loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Pal is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Darr; children, Debbie (Jim) Scott and Steve (Barbara) Darr; grandchildren, Dan (Tonya) Scott, Becky (Leland) Barksdale, and Evan Darr; great-grandchildren, Carson Scott, Blake Scott, Marshall Scott, Gracie Barksdale and Jenna Barksdale; brothers, Don (Jan) Darr and Richard “Butch” (Rona) Darr, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Ed Darr, Irene Seibel and Harold Darr. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pal’s name may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 603 McCleary St, Dowagiac, MI 49047. Those wishing to sign Pal’s Memory Book online may do so at www.clarkch.com.