Darin our family is so different without you.i keep you in my thoughts daily and i am trying really hard to follow your outlook in life i will love you always brother .. your sister Lisa

It's different here without you.
It's as if there is no sun.
Darkness now surrounds me.
My world seems so undone.

You were my life, my everything,
but now sweetheart you've gone.
Somehow I must find faith in God
and let my life go on.

They say time mends a broken heart.
If true, time is my friend.
I'll count the days until the time
you're in my arms again.

I love you always.
Love, Laurie

Twelve years ago when I met my new neighbors Laurie and I hit it off immediately and as everyone knows if you spend time with Laurie, you spend time with Darin. But I'm lucky because as it ended up Darin wasn't just my friend's husband, he was my friend too.
It didn't take long before I ask Laurie "Does he have a brother?". Because Darin was the guy every woman is looking for. Not just because he was kind, handsome, easy to get along with, and so unbelievably funny but because of the way he treated Laurie. It was obvious she was the most important thing to him and that he respected and loved her. 

Even after 28 years they still actually enjoyed spending time together and were best friends.

I loved Darin just like everyone else  but the thing I loved and appreciated most about him - he truly loved my Friend.

Darin, my love,
There is no way I could ever put into words how much I love you. I could never have imagined my life without you and cannot still. You were the most compassionate, loving, sincere, unselfish man I have ever known. Always so polite and concerned with everyone else.
From the first day I met you I knew we would be together forever. Right now I feel my life is over, but I will go on because I know that is what you would  want me to do.
I like to think you are in heaven with your dad and our baby, looking down on us- seeing how many people loved you and will be forever touched by your kindness. 
There is a hole in my heart that cannot ever be filled. The last words you said to me, I've heard a thousand times, "I love you baby." And I wish I had the chance to hear them a thousand more. I will hear them again, but only in my dreams. My heart is forever broken.
Just know that we will be together again in time. Until then- "I love you baby."
Love,
Laurie

Dear Uncle Bubby,
As long as I can remember, you've always had a smile on your face. You could make anyone and everyone laugh at any moment. My memories of you have been recent since I'm only 17, but I do have a few from when I was younger. I remember falling asleep on you while we laid on your bed and watched golf. I remember all the Christmas' and thanksgiving's too. 
I know I can't just call you and hear you anymore, but remember that summer morning when we had breakfast together? We got to share orange juice and some laughs.
I've gotten to spend as much time as I could with you and I very much wish we had more. 
You're my one and only blood uncle and no one could ever replace you. We'll meet again, so I'm not worried. You've always been by my side, now you have wings to carry yourself.
I love you Bubby.
Love,
Morgan

Bub,
How can words ever express what you have meant to me? I'm so lucky to have so many memories of you, whether it was growing up, you taking of us, endlessly entertaining us, or torturing us, it was never boring. As I grew older, I really learned to appreciate the sacrifices you made for me and Tonya. 
Although it was too short, I will always be grateful for the time we had. Being able to vacation with you, visiting you in Florida, or debating politics vigorously with you, those are the memories that I will forever cherish.
Thank you for your constant chipper attitude, your love for people, your unbelievable honest nature and amazing personality. I'm so sorry for anything I've ever done to make you doubt how lucky I was to have you for a big brother.
Until we meet again, please know I loved you!
Lovingly,
Misty

Darin,
There are no words to say what you have meant to me. You are the funniest and most sincere person I have ever had the pleasure of having in my life. I don't remember a time  when you were ever negative or discouraging. You protected me when I was young and gave me guidance as I grew older. I respected everything about you.
My fondest memories of you are you trying to entertain Misty and I by putting on Kiss concerts in the living room or by cooking us "hash blacks" for dinner when mom was working late. 
Then the day you married Laurie, man we didn't think that day was ever gonna get here! 
I truly love you and will miss you greatly. I know you will be looking down on us. Please watch over us and tell Jay and Granny we miss them. I can't wait til we meet again.
Love you,
Tonya

Darin,

We lived, we laughed, we loved.
We shared lots of years.
But God has called you home to his son.

I just can't believe it ended this way
There were so many things I wanted to say.
It's too late for that now
It will have to wait
Until I see you at the heavenly gate.
May your soul rest well my beloved brother
But the day is not over
Because we shall share another.
Your tragic death has left a big hole
But I'll try not to fret, you're now a free soul.
Love you little brother,
Your sister Lisa

Bub,
My dear brother, you were always so kind, giving, and understanding. I will never forget all the great times we had when we were kids,(hot jacks), teenagers, (Kiss concerts), and adults(food critics). I have to laugh at all of it. I'm so lucky you were part of my life. I will miss you deeply. I love you.
Sherri

As a young boy and teenager, I worried about you. When you became a young adult, I worried about you. When you moved away, I worried. When you met Laurie, I think she completed you. You became a young man that any mom would be proud of. I love you with all my heart and I love what you became and achieved in your short life. You will always be in my heart and on my mind.
Mom

I've had the privilege to know and become friends with Laurie and Darin for five short years and have grown very close to both of them.  Needless to say, I spent a lot of time with them and Darin never made me feel like a third wheel,which I was, or that I had worn out my welcome, which I probably did.  Darin loved hanging out with his friends, music, golf being near the water, watching the Bengals play just as much as watching a political debate.  
Darin was kind, generous, reliable, loving, funny and never complained about a thing.  He was always in a good mood and never had a bad thing to say about anyone..and no one could ever say a bad thing about Darin.
As the obituary says, Laurie was the love of his life and Darin was hers.  I saw the love they had for each other everyday.  They always had fun together and joked around on a daily basis.  She would show me texts and let me hear voice mails from Darin that he would send her for no reason and it would make her laugh and say "He's so great!" or "I'm so lucky.."  And you are lucky Laurie, so lucky to have had Darin in your life and you in his if even it was for such a unfair amount of time.
And I am lucky, lucky to have had Darin a part of my life and lucky to have you as my friend.
I love you Darin and will miss you very much.  I Love you Laurie, and I will be right here for you...

Darin Mardis was the best son-in-law a person could ask for. He loved my daughter whole heartedly and always treated her with respect. They had a wonderful love for each other that everyone could see. He believed that a husband had responsibiliy to his wife. He believed that you should be hardworking, honest, and respectful. 
He lived his life with a respect for everyone he met, and treated others as he wished to be treated. 
God got a good person, and Darin will be missed and remembered by all of us that were blessed enough to know and love him while he was here.
Al

What can I say about Darin that anyone who has ever met him doesn't already know? Talk about his one of a kind personality, his loyalty and devotion to his friends and family, his love for Laurie. Darin had 4 major loves in his life: golf, beer, Bengals, and of course, Laurie :) A great day for him involved all 4. There were alot of great days. I remember many a day of grabbing some beer and hitting the course for 18 holes, Hooters for lunch, more beer and back to the course. All the while he's filling his wallet with credit card receipts & ATM slips that he would leave on the counter for Laurie to sift through in the morning. 
He was always thinking about his dream job, getting his "store on the shore." Then finally it happened, a store in Florida. It was a bittersweet day for me seeing my friend achieve his dream, knowing it would take him 1000 miles away.
Shortly after getting to Florida, Laurie gets his other dream job, working at a golf shop! Access to the latest golf gear, free lessons, tips on local courses, and the latest Tiger Woods apparel. Because anyone that ever played golf with Darin knew that he dressed like Tiger Woods and played like Woody Allen! This was heaven on earth for Darin. Although I kid about his golf game, there was ONE day where the stars were aligned just right and he did beat me. He couldn't wait to get home and tell Laurie. "Guess what Wes shot?, Guess what I shot?"
I feel truly blessed to have called him my friend, but am honored he called me a friend in return. Guys like Darin are a once in a lifetime find.
Wes

Obviously everyone has said something amazing about Darin. I believe that he chnged my life and the life of everyone else that he met. I know I am a better person for being a friend of his.
"Hey buddy, how are you?", the greatest five words I haven't heard in awhile. And I miss my friend. Every time I walk into Val's I hope to hear them and see you sitting there.
A couple, where we hang out, noticed a bottle that was going to fall out of the cooler. the bartender opened the door & it fell. It was an MGD, which Darin drank. We laughed, then I got sad for a second. Then I realized he was there with me, and a smile returned to my face. 
I want to tell all the stories, but there are too many to choose from. He loved everyone and I love him and his family. Darin- see you on the other side.
Shaun Lowery

It was a strange twist of fate that occurred for me to meet Darin and Laurie. They had just moved from Ohio to Ft. Myers and were planning their wedding. I was recommended by a friend to their wedding photography. Considering I do dozens of weddings a year and have done so for many years, I did not think this one would be any more significant than any of the others.
I set up a meeting & we met at my office on Sanibel Island, and I agreed to be their wedding photographer. A few days later I was going into my local watering hole, Nick & Stellas and noticed them sitting at a table outside. The first thing I noticed was that Darin drank Yuengling which I did too. We struck up a conversation and that night was the start of an amazing friendship that I will be eternally grateful for. I'm sure you all have laughed with Darin, & know his ability to see the humorous side of every situation was one of his best qualities. Even when he had cancer the first time, I had met him shortly after his treatments were finished and we talked a little about it, as I too had just been through treatment but he was never interested in dwelling on those things. He was far more interested in making everyone else happy. 
I feel it was an absolute privelege to have met Darin, one of the things we shared a passion for was golf. On a trip to Jacksonville to play we spent hours talking about business and how we went about the things we did on a daily basis. It was painfully apparent that Darin had the utmost respect for his colleagues and people that worked around him. He had a 
"lead from the front" style of management where he would lead by example & inspire people to perform to the best of their ability. He walked the walk and talked the talk. I think American Signature was blessed to have him and I hope they understand what a truly dedicated guy he was. I was amazed by his dedication and it inspired me to do better with my business and how I treat the people around me. I could talk about the hours and hours of endless fun we had together, we could laugh about his obsession with neatness, partially regarding his multitude of golf shoes, shirts, and shorts that had to be hung in color order but instead I would like to say that Darin has touched my heart, improved me as a person and he will never be forgotten as long as I live.
Love you buddy,
Nick Adams

darin today was very hard for me even though i did not get to spend the time with you i would have liked , i know in my heart you are the best brother a sister could ever have and i truly truly miss you it hurts my heart. but i know you finally get to spend time with dad and i know you both will be cheking on our family from time to time .happy birthday brother.. your sister lisa

Laurie, I am very sorry for your loss, You and your family are in our prayers. It was fate that brought you to Red Lobster to tell me. I know that Darin is with Allen. 
 Mrs. Dina Jackson  ( Townsend )

Laurie, you know how much Darin is missed by all.  We are so privileged to know the two of you and the fun times we shared.  Remember and cherish all the special moments the two of you enjoyed.  He lives in our hearts.

Laurie, What a truly genuine person Darin was. He brought any room he walked into to life instantly. I've really missed seeing you both these last few years. I feel lucky for having him as a friend! Just thinking about him makes me smile.

uncle darin i think of you and i always feel better, i know you are with grandpa and greatgrandma and its beautiful there i will see ya when i get there    love you always.   your niece    brandy

Laurie, Darin was like a son to me and he helped Chrissy through some tough times. He was always a good funloving guy that we will always love. We know that he is in heaven playing golf with Bob, Bobby, and Keith. I am sure that he is the life of the party. He was a treasure here. I know that he will be there.

Laurie, Everytime I think of Darin, I laugh. He truly was a fun spirit who loved life. He had a good heart and was a stranger to no one. I consider myself lucky to have known him. 
Sincerely,  His friend

I love you uncle Darin this is not good bye this is I will see you later. I'm honored to have been ur niece

Laurie, sending love your way. Praying for your continued strength and encouragement. I know you must be hurting immensely.  You know we all had tons of fun, crazy times at Bombay... I've been trying to remember what Darin's batman mug # was! Just thinkin' about his batman sticker on there makes me smile. If there's anything you need, please let us know.

Darin will be severely missed. He was one of the most kind and nice people I have ever had the priveledge to know in my life. My heart goes out to Laurie.

To my brother darin i love you more than words could say and you will be with me allways. your sister lisa

I am so sorry to hear about Darin.  I worked with him at Value City for several years.  He always kept our work days entertaining.  Darin will surely not be forgotten.

Laurie,
I am are so sorry to hear about Darin's passing. You and your family we be in our thoughts and prayers.

You showed us how to live and you showed us how to die.  We'll miss your smile.  I'll miss my friend.  I'll see you on the other side.

Tracy and Skylar Boggs

Laurie,
We are so sorry to hear about Darin's passing.Everytime we saw him at Nick and Stellas he would always make time to stop by and say hello.Great guy who will be dearly missed!

Laurie, I am blessed for having you both in my life for 20+years.   The love and commitment you have for one another is truly amazing.  I will miss his laughter and smiling face.  I know there is a special place in heaven for Darin.

Love, 
Rachel and Ray Casanta

Laurie, I am so sorry to hear of Darin's passing. When I think of you two I will think of the many times that Darin and you would babysit me when I was younger. I will never forget those nights, when it seemed that Life would go on forever but i am glad that my husband Adam got to meet a man that I knew of to be a great guy. I love you and please know that all of us here in Cincinnati, will be thinking of you and Darin's entire family. 

Love, 
Adam and Christina Kennedy Zillich

Laurie, words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. He was truly your soul mate and you are very lucky to have shared a love most only dream of. I love and miss you.

Laurie, I am so sorry for your loss.  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.  Joe and Joy Tomlinson

Darin was truly a one of a kind, and I consider myself lucky to have known him. Never failed to make me laugh and always was ready to help someone out. My thoughts are with you all. Rest in peace my friend.

Family,
           I am very sorry to hear of your lose, Darin and i grew up together and he will truely be missed, our prayers will be with you and the family.

Laurie,Darin will always be my brother from another mother. He was one of a kind. I am truly blessed to have called  him my friend. He will be missed.

I was so sorry to hear of the loss “of the love of your life.” May your special memories of your great love story help ease your grief today and always. I wish we could be there for you but we are all sending you a hug from Cincinnati. Call anytime! We love you and are here for you.

Laurie-
I am so sorry for your loss.  Darin was a wonderful soul and always made everyone smile.  I enjoyed working with Darin at VCF in the home office, and then when continuing to work with him in Fort Myers.
You are in my thoughts and prayers to keep the strength during this challenging time of your life.
Annalisa Corbin

Laurie and Family,
We will always remember Darin's positive,fun-loving outlook on life.  His presence will be missed by many.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike and Deb Bridges
Ft. Myers

Laurie--Please accept my deepest condolences.  I will miss Darin's fantastic welcoming smile.  I am truly sorry to hear of his passing and will keep you in my thoughts--Nikki Sheets

I am truly sorry for your lost. In your time of bereavement, know that God assures us that we will see our loved ones again.  I'm sure that with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, your family, and friends you will be able to endure this trial. May your memories give you comfort.

Gates, GA

I am so sorry for your loss.  May your memories of him bring you comfort.

laurie ,im so sorry for your loss ,you and the whole family are in our prayers.darin was a great guy and always made everyone laugh growing up with you both were some of the best times of my life and i thank god our paths have crossed,you have our entire families love

Laurie, Words cannot express how sorry I am that this has happened.  May the almighty give you the strength you need at this time and in the future.  I know how much you loved him.  You gave each other space, but always knew where you'd be at the end of the day (with each other).  That is truly a special thing.  Please know that I love you and feel for you at this very sad time.

Laurie, I worked with Darin for several years and he was always a class act with me.  I know how much you will miss him, as will we all

Bob and Judy Stapleton

Laurie~I worked with Darin many years ago at Value City, I'm truly sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Laurie, I am so sorry. Upon hearing about Darin, I can't help thinking about all those great times at Par's. Anybody who knew Darin was truly lucky. Before Christmas, I came across those pictures from your Christmas party at Today homes. That was just one of the great times we had. I will always be grateful to you and Darin for setting Brandi and Brad up. My thoughts and prayers are with you. love Jalain (Cincinnati)

We were so sorry to hear of Darin's passing.  I went to Northwest High with Darin and my husband worked at Value City in Springdale with Rodney, Brenda and Darin.  

Your in our thoughts and prayers.

Greg and Amy (Freel) Braden

Laurie and family,
Having worked with Darin for 6 yrs in Fort Myers, I can always think of him as a true professional. A man who exemplified how working hard and being a team player resulted in the utmost respect for his leadership. The first thing I think of when I remember Darin is "Tiger", whether that be the golfer, or the Bengal. Darin was an inspiration for me, and will always hold a special place in my heart and soul.
Pete Peed

OBITUARY

Darin Jay Mardis

June 11, 1965 – January 11, 2012

Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home

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