Michael B. Darr

Michael B. “Mike” Darr, 77, of Battle Creek, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Mike’s life was marked by his deep love for family, his pride in his service, and his quiet, steady presence.

Mike was born on September 26, 1948, to Carlos and Margaret Darr. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. He remained a proud Marine throughout his life. After the Marine Corp he married the love of his life, Linda Sue Robertson, and they grew their family shortly after. Mike played rugby and happily traded the playing field for the sidelines as he coached his daughters’ various sports. He worked for Union Pump and after an injury he worked at Jack Pearl’s Sports where he was able to help many schools and companies in the Battle Creek area. He then happily gave much of his time to St. Philip Catholic High School and never missed a game or event that his children participated in. From floor hockey to football, volleyball to basketball, softball to karate – Mike’s love and commitment to his children’s success was immeasurable.

For the past 32 years, Mike was proud to be called “Papa”. He had a generous heart and was always thinking of others before himself. He loved collecting antiques and war memorabilia, loved calling his kids and grandkids every day, loved sitting on his front porch with his wife and especially loved camping in Traverse City with his family whenever he could, soaking in the sunsets with the people he loved most.

Mike is survived by his three daughters, Shelly (Santiago) Hernandez, Stacey Darr, and Erica Darr; his son, Brayden Darr; his grandchildren, Zachary, Karleigh (John Guritz), Tyler, Kennedy, Madison, Allysia, Josslen, Carlos, Anthony, Jaxson, Beckham and Ella; great-grandsons, Truman and Knox; great-granddaughters, Reece and Navy; and his son-in-law, Michael McGriff.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Linda Sue Darr; his firstborn daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Darr McGriff; his mother, Margaret; and his father, Carlos Darr.

More than anything, Mike taught us what it means to love without holding back. His generous and forgiving heart, steady presence, and unrelenting loyalty to his family will remain a part of us, carried forward in the stories we tell and the lives we lead.

The family will receive friends 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle Creek where a Time of Sharing and the Parish Rosary will begin at 6:00 p.m. The Time of Sharing and Parish Rosary will be Live-streamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/5620548.  Interment services with full military honors will be held 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making donations to the Shrine Hospitals for Children 2211 North Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Mike may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.