Obituary of Darrell D. Stamper
Darrell D. Stamper was born on February 12, 1945 in Letcher County, Kentucky. He was one of seven children born to Arthur and Lula (Hampton) Stamper. Darrell attended high school just over the border in Portsmouth, Ohio.
On June 25, 1966 he wed the love of his life, the former Linda Tarbert, at a church service in Piedmont, Ohio. From this union the couple was blessed with a son John. A job opportunity at McLouth Steel brought the family to Michigan. Darrell was employed in maintenance at the plant for twenty-eight years until its closure in 1996.
Proud of his Southern roots, Darrell was an active member of Kentuckians of Michigan in Romulus. He also joined the Moose Lodge in Monroe, where he participated in karaoke nights, and the Eagles in Hale, Michigan near the family’s cabin. Darrell had a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. He enjoyed hunting deer and small game alongside members of his family. Darrell cultivated a large vegetable garden every year. He froze much of his harvest for the winter months and baked many loaves of zucchini bread. Darrell also grew beads which he used to create necklaces that he gifted to family and friends.
A social butterfly, Darrell loved to meet up with others to “shoot the breeze”. He was always on the go, crossing paths with people and so it seemed he knew everyone and they knew him in turn. Darrell could often be found sipping coffee at Denny’s Restaurant in Monroe. Often with the grandkids in tow, he sat and chatted with the truckers in and out of the TA Travel Center all day long.
Darrell D. Stamper, age 79, of Monroe, passed away peacefully at Henry Ford Hospital Detroit on Thursday; February 22, 2024. His passing was preceded by his parents; his son: John Stamper in 2020; his brother: Oral Stamper; and four sisters: Colleen Lawhun, Irene Stephensen, Joyce Medley, and Shirley Bays.
To cherish his memory, Darrell leaves his wife of fifty-seven years: Linda Stamper; a grandson: Joshua Stamper; a granddaughter: Jessica Stamper; a brother: Phil D. (Joyce) Stamper; several nieces and nephews; and many friends including his neighbor, Vicki Massey-Stricklen, whom he’d known since she was a little girl.
Friends may gather on Wednesday; February 28, 2024, from 1:00pm until 4:00pm and on Thursday; February 29, 2024, from 9:00am until 11:00am at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Darrell’s Life will be held at 11:00am on Thursday also at Merkle’s. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.
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