Tommy Martin Darter, Jr.

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Tommy Martin Darter Jr., a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. Tommy departed this world on May 13, 2023, leaving behind a shining legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.

Born on May 10th, 1962, in the small town of Electra, Texas, Tommy was the cherished firstborn son of Tommy and Sylvia Darter. From an early age, Tommy exhibited an adventurous spirit and a zest for life that would continue to define him throughout his years. Tommy's charisma and warm personality made him a beloved member of the surrounding communities of Garland, Rowlett, Sachse, and Wylie.

Tommy attended North Garland High School, excelling in academics and sports, and would later graduate in 1980. Tommy formed lifelong friendships during these years, as his magnetic personality naturally drew people to him wherever he went. He would later attend Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas, where he graduated with his Associate of Applied Science degree in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology. Soon after, at the young age of 19, Tommy took his first step toward his lifelong career as the Director of Operations for the Darter family business, 3D Powder Coating, in Rowlett, Texas, where his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence quickly made him a highly regarded figure in the local Dallas powder coating, silk screening, and painting industries.

Tommy loved spending his downtime in the great outdoors, where he found joy in every outdoor activity, simply relaxing around the campfire where he found solace in the surrounding laughter of family and friends reminiscing his favorite memories. Tommy cherished each of his life's blessings, and his appreciation of simple pleasures helped all those around him find joy and peace in their daily lives.

As a father and grandfather of two, Tommy was a beacon of love and guidance to his son Tolin, daughter Kaitlin, and grandsons Mason and Matthew. Tommy treasured every second he spent with his children and grandchildren and instilled in them the core values of compassion, resilience, determination, perseverance, and the importance of pursuing their dreams. Tommy's unwavering dedication to his family and friends was unmatched. His larger-than-life presence, infectious laughter, warm smile, giving heart, and genuine compassion for all others will be forever missed. Tommy leaves behind an unyielding legacy of love and kindness that will continue touching the lives of all fortunate to know him.

Tommy is preceded in death by maternal grandparents Conley Gilbert ​and​ Rubie Culver Gilbert; paternal grandparents Woodrow Darter ​and Hazel Warton-Darter, and is survived by his loving parents, Tommy Martin Darter Sr. and Sylvia Ellen Culver Darter, brother Keith Mark Darter​ and wife Carol​,​ former wife Linda Kay Watkins Darter, their son Tolin Mason Darter, daughter-in-law Lorena Montelango Darter, ​their​ daughter Kaitlin Marie Darter and her fiance' Joshua Jordan, eldest grandson Mason Daniel Darter, youngest grandson Matthew D​e​mitri Darter, and nieces and nephews​:​ ​Ceceille, Lauren, ​Christopher, Victoria, Margaret, ​M​iranda, Samuel, Al​an, Davis, Kori, Ethan; girlfriend Jovita Thomas​ and a multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins.​​

Although Tommy's physical presence may be gone, his spirit and legendary character will live on in our hearts. Tommy's soul has found eternal peace in the light of our Lord and Savior, and may we find solace in the memories of each beautiful moment we could share with him. Rest in peace, Tommy Martin Darter Jr.

Tommy's memorial service is scheduled at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 2925 5th St, Sachse, TX 75048, at 10 am CST.