David “Dave†L. Harrell, 55, passed away with beloved family and adored friends by his bedside, after a brief battle with cancer, on Monday, August 12, 2019 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center- Plymouth Campus.
Born in Warsaw, Indiana on May 3, 1964, Dave was the son of Connie (Schooley) and Terry Harrell. He graduated from Plymouth High School with the class of 1982 and continued on to attend Lincoln Technical Institute in Indianapolis.
In the former Sunrise Chapel in Plymouth, Dave married Darlene “Dar†J. Scarborough on August 22, 1987. And to this marriage came two children: Shelby and Noah.
Most recently, Dave worked for INDOT as a highway technician having made yet another new family. Dave had a heart that could rival the size and depth of the Grand Canyon. He opened his arms and his home to those who sought acceptance in a safe place. Though he greatly valued spending time with friends over morning cups of coffee and tee times out on the golf course, Dave received the most pleasure from spending precious time with his beloved family. Sun-soaked days filled with lounging in the backyard pool, quiet fireside evenings in which everyone’s nose is buried inside a book, and sharing the large bucket of movie theatre popcorn among the four of them as they watch that month’s big releases on the big screen were among his favorite ways of sharing these moments. Family for Dave, however, extends past the nuclear household. His family gradually increased in size as he “adopted†and served as a secondary father-figure to his children’s ever increasing group of friends. Before the annual Labor Day fireworks, the aroma of freshly smoked meat filled the driveway as he filled the plates of friends and family with juicy, decadent racks of ribs. Having received his private pilot’s license, Dave thoroughly enjoyed flying as well as fishing, boating and restoring his 1975 Camaro. Dave created an extension of his family on the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee when he became the go-to guy for the Culver Distance Camp. He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene, and their children: Shelby and Noah, all of Plymouth; his parents, Connie and Terry Harrell of Plymouth; siblings: Tina (Steve) Shafer of Tecumseh, MI, Lisa (Mike) Ottow of Plymouth and Steve (Julie) Harrell of Plymouth; many nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Nita Scarborough.
He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Robert Scarborough.
“Dad you will always be my hero.†– Love, Shelby
Visitation will be held on Friday August 16, 2019 from 4-8 p.m. at the Plymouth Wesleyan Church, 11204 Michigan Street, Plymouth.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the Plymouth Wesleyan Church with Pastor Steve Cox officiating. Visitation will resume one hour prior in the church.
Burial will be in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family for a future scholarship fund to be created in Dave’s name, or to the Cornerstone Community Fellowship, 1375 Maple Road, LaPaz, IN 46537.
Lori White says
So very sorry Dave was a long time friend fly high my friend prayers to the family God bless
Rachel says
Oh Dar, Noah and Shelby – there are no words to express how very sorry I am to hear about Dave passing. Sending you all my love, prayers and hugs.
Rachel
Derek and Jodi Eveland says
Darlene and family,
Derek and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know we are lifting Dave, you , and your kids in prayer. We will be out of town moving Bailey to school this weekend. Please know you all will be in our thoughts.
Beth (Ray) Aker says
I am so very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Sending prayers and condolences during this most difficult time.
Paul Wendel says
Dar and family, I am so sorry to hear the passing of Dave, I emailed him about a month ago and he was optimistic about his battle with this horrible disease! Unfortunately, it had already taken its toll on him. From the PHS Class of 1982, I want to give you our most sincere condolences!!!
Anonymous says
So,very sorry to hear of David passing. No words are much comforting at this moment except the arms of comfort from family and friends. Our prayers will be with David’s family and Parents at this time. May GOD bless you. We have known the David for 45 wonderful years and will be missed.
Love Carol and Cork
KIRK CLARK says
OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THE HARRELL FAMILY YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. KIRK AND PAT CLARK.
Ed Barcus says
To the entire Harrell family,
I was saddened to hear of David’s passing. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Holli D Shorter Pifer says
Darlene and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good guy.
Bless all of you
Holli Shorter Pifer and Family
Anjie Brenda says
Darlene and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Dave and I graduated high school together. He was always
a fun person and I know he is so missed. May God be with all of you in your time of need.
Gina Greenlee says
Darlene, Steve, and family, I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Dave’s passing. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Toni Foote says
To the entire Harrell family,
Our prayer is you find comfort in precious memories.
Loving thoughts & Prayers,
Rick & Toni Foote
Marcia Cook says
Dar and family,
I’m so, so sorry to hear the news of Dave’s passing. I have many fond memories of you two going back to the days we worked together. You made magic together from the very beginning. Praying for strength and comfort….
Bonnie Roehrborn says
My condolences to the entire Harrell family, and especially to Dar, Shelby, and Noah. I hope you find some comfort in the coming days from your memories and love for him. Shelby and Noah, I’m sure you know you were the lights of his life. His face always lit up when he would tell me what you were up to, from the time you were preschoolers and into your teenage years. He was always so proud of you both. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mrs. Bonnie
Jon E. Harrington says
I will miss you dave, you always been a great guy and friend to me. I know we were classmates i will truely miss your humor and great way you dealt with life. …….i send my condolences to your wife and children ….
Robert W Berger says
Darlene, Sorry for your loss. Dave was a good friend!!!
Mary and Jim Stuckmeyer says
Darlene,
Jim and I are so sad to hear of Dave’s death. Our sympathies to you and all the family. Please know we are praying for you as you face the difficult weeks to come.
Stacey Lesch-Koch says
My sincerest condolences to the Harrell family. Fond memories of Dave from childhood.
Michele Riise says
To all of the Harrell Family,
The Riise Family was very saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. We hope that all of you find peace and comfort in knowing you are surrounded by many friends and family who will be there during this difficult time and beyond. Dave was a very special man with a huge heart for not only family but anyone he knew or even just met. Please accept our condolences, and we are here if you need anything. Prayers are coming your way but find comfort in knowing we will all see him again one day in heaven. Hugs to all!
Love,
Erik, Michele, Kirstin and Tia Riise
Sam Baker says
To the Harrell family,
My deepest sorrow for your loss. I always enjoyed Dave. He had a heart of gold. He will be missed by all of us.
Sam & Rose Baker
Roger Harrell says
I’m so sad to hear about David, our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I truly am at a loss for words. Sending our regards and prayers
Nolan & Kristin says
We were very saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with his and the entire Harrell family.
Michael Chastain says
Praise God for each moment we have on earth with loved ones. My heart goes out to the Harrell family. We appreciate all Dave meant to the running community, especially for the Culver Distance Camp. My prayers are with you.
Dennis Hattell says
Thinking of all David’s family and remembering David’s sweet and kind nature. We will miss him.
Our special love to Dar, Shelby, Noah and to Connie and Terry. We love you all. —Dennis and Lorna
Virginia Beaman says
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this time of need.
Emeric Szalay says
I was honored to see Dave, talk with him and have the chance to say good bye, and hug him. Its rare that a friend gets to do that. It was not fun, but glad I got to do it . His heart was big, as it always was. There was nothing he would not do for anyone. I will truly miss him and will always remember him when I fly.
Diane Kuskye says
I’m so sorry to hear of David’s passing. May he rest in peace. Prayers for the entire family.
Phyllis Becker says
Harrell family: My heart is sad as I feel the loss you are experiencing. Please know you are in my thoughts & prayers throughout the days ahead! God is enjoying Dave now & you have the assurance of being together again! Hugs for all of you!
Phyllis Becker
Christine Van Vactor says
Dave and I were so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. What a wonderful family man. Shelby, please know that he was always ready to talk about you to me. He was a very proud papa. Your family is in our prayers.
Dave and Chris Van Vactor
Penny Hines says
Darlene, Shelby and Noah I was sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a very special guy, who lived for his family. He was so proud of all of you. As many have said Dave was everyone’s friend. He may be gone from earth but he will live on in your hearts.
Anonymous says
Dar, Shelby and Noah,
Prayers ,love and friendship I send to you. In a short time like many, Dave became a near and dear friend. We lost a friend, but his impact and memories will last forever.
Take care my friends
Leo
Towanda, Pa
Gayle (Whitaker) Smith says
I was a classmate of Dave’s but even more I considered him a friend. He was as nice as everyone has said. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you.
Harriet Wilson says
Living in Grand Rapids Michigan and just received my copy of the 8/15/19 Pilot News. I want to convey my condolences to Terry and Connie Harrell on the death of their son, David. Terry was an active volunteer for me while in office at the Red Cross. He really helped our chapter. Truly a great human being as his son seems to have carried on his traits!
Harriet Wilson says
I live in Grand Rapids Michigan and just received my 8/15/19 copy of the Pilot news. I wish to send my condolences for David. His father Terry was an active volunteer for the Marshall County American Red Cross chapter while I was Director for the chapter. He really helped our chapter especially as a Red Cross First Aid instructor. It sounds like his son had his same good traits.
Linda Jordan says
Shelby and family:
We were saddened to hear of the death of your father. May your good memories help you through this difficult time. Please know that we are thinking about you. Take care.
Mariah and Linda Jordan