Darren Allen Eichel

Darren A. Eichel, 35, of Dowagiac, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2020, in Texas. Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, August 10, at 1:00PM, at Clark Chapel 405 Center St., Dowagiac, with Pastor Boyd Saylor officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, from 12:00PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.clarkch.com Darren was born April 29, 1985, to Gale R. Wade and Rhonda Eichel Cortes in Dowagiac. He attended Dowagiac High School before proudly entering the United States Army. Darren was known has a hard worker, he worked for Creative Foam in Dowagiac for over 3 years. He was an avid University of Michigan and Detroit Lions fan. Darren loved being outside and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was known for his heart of gold and was always the life of the party. Most of all he loved his family, especially his children who will miss him greatly. Darren is survived by his mother and step-father, Rhonda (Antonio) Eichel Cortes; wife, Ruth Zylstra; children, Chloe Alexandra Eichel, Dakota Allen Eichel, Dominic Robert Eichel and Emma Marie Eichel; siblings, Ashley Kay Anne Eichel, Ryan Wade and Cody Wade; grandmother, Aileen Eichel West; his aunts and uncles, Pauline (William Clark) Eichel, Pat, who was like a father, (Kathleen) Eichel and Robert (Debbie) Wallace; and niece, Serenity Grace Eichel. He was preceded in death by his father, Gale R. Wade and grandfathers, Omer Henry Eichel and Harold West.