Patrick T. Darby

Patrick T. Darby, age 80 of Sanford, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family. The son of the late Francis and Marguerite (Kennelly) Darby was born in Hemlock on October 11, 1944. Pat began working during high school and was a proud member of the Hemlock class of 1963. He continued working to put himself through college and received his Bachelor's Degree in Teaching from Delta and Central Michigan University. He continued his education and worked at Meridian High School for 26+ years where he was a history teacher, an adult education teacher, and led groups and clubs including introducing hunting, fishing, conservation, and skiing to numerous classes of students.

In his earlier years, Pat was dedicated to hunting and fishing with friends and family as well as coaching youth baseball and soccer. He grew to love music and performing and was very proud of his music group Twilight Strums as well as playing with SUGAR, Jolly Hammers, attending numerous festivals and would sit in and play with any jam he could find! He was also a life-long Detroit Tiger fan and rarely missed an opportunity to "coach the team" when they were on television.

Surviving is his wife, the former Sherry Johnson of whom he married on December 3, 1988; children, Patrick (Peggy) Darby, Ryan Darby, their mother Jerene Maxwell, Mary (Matt) Urch; daughter in law, Jean Johnson; grandchildren, Randy (Kristin) Dallaire, Austin (Caitlyn) Johnson, Shannon Urch and Hunter (Olivia) Johnson; great grandchildren, Noah, Kayden and Carter; sisters in law, Mary Darby and Judy (Bruce) Brand; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Pat was preceded in death by a son, Gary Johnson; siblings, Bernard Darby and Kathleen Meier.

The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 9, 2025, at St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church (207 Ashman St, Midland). The rite of Committal will be at 2:30 p.m. in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hemlock. The family will receive guests at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home (4210 North Saginaw Rd, Midland), on Sunday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be directed to the wishes of the family.