Herman Darr, 84, of Decatur, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away June 8, 2011, at White Oaks Assisted Living in Lawton.

Herman was born Nov. 1, 1926, in Dowagiac, the youngest of 11 children of Daniel and Amelia (Janke) Darr.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Herman was a tool and die/mold maker for 37 years.

His career included 25 yrs at Du-Wel Metal Products, 6 1/2 years at ITT and he retired from Johnson and Johnson in 1993.

After retirement, Herman moved from California to Bitely, Mich., then settled in a home in Decatur in 1999.

Herman belonged to numerous organizations, including; life membership in American Legion Post 563 in Dowagiac and 309 in Decatur, life member of the Disabled American Veterans Post 89 in Dowagiac, life membership in the North American Hunting and Fishing Club and membership in the Dowagiac Conservation Club.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his two sons.

On June 19, 1948, he was united in marriage with Shirley (Morlan) Darr,  who preceded him in death in 1980.

He was also preceded by: one granddaughter, Tiffany Darr, in 1990; one son, Ricky Daniel Darr, in 2009; and 10 brothers and sisters.

Surviving members of his family include: five children, Sandra (Gary) Emrhein of Richmond, Va., Sherry (Robert) Barrett of Portage, Susan (Jeff) Waldron of Colorado Springs, Colo., Randy (Laura) Darr of Paw Paw and Sally (Tony) Mermer of Garden Grove, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his constant companion, Mitzie his dog.

Friends will be received Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Yazel-Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac.

A service to honor his life will take place Monday at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church with interment following at North Shore Memory Gardens, 5027 M-63 North, Coloma.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran or American Legion Post 309, Decatur.