Darroll P. French Sr.

Darroll Philip French, Sr., 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Carmel, Indiana on Friday, February 25th. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to parents Edwin T. French Sr. and Mildred Heinzen French on August 24, 1934. Darroll moved to Indianapolis with his family in the late 1930s. His father was co-founder and owner of Mechanics Laundry & Supply Company and, later, Monarch Beverage Company.

Darroll graduated from Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis in 1951. While at Broad Ripple, he met the love of his life, Mary Frances Keller, who would become his devoted wife in 1955 while they both were students at Indiana University. After obtaining his business degree from IU, Darroll enlisted in the US Air Force as a second lieutenant, earning his wings and then serving his last two years in Istanbul, Turkey as a commissary officer, before being honorably discharged as a first lieutenant.

After his military service, Darroll returned home in 1960 to work in the family business, Mechanics Laundry, along with his brother, Ed, where Darroll eventually became CEO of the company in 1977. At that time, Ed became CEO and sole owner of Monarch Beverage. Darroll was proud of the growth of the companies on their watch, employing over 2,000 people in Indiana and the Midwest. During this time, Darroll was active with the National Institute of Industrial Launderers where he held various leadership appointments. He was also involved in a number of civic organizations including Sigma Chi Fraternity, the Hundred Club, Jesters, the American Business Club (ABC), Shrine Club, and the Indianapolis Police Department Motorcycle Drill Team. Darroll and Ed also continued with their father's tradition of hosting many business and governmental events at their family residence at French Liquor Springs/Indian Lake.

A longtime member of the Indianapolis Athletic Club, Antelope Club, Columbia Club, Hillcrest Country Club and Crooked Stick Golf Club, Darroll and Frances enjoyed their retirement spent at Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana and at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida where he enjoyed boating, fishing and golfing.

Darroll is preceded in death by his wife, Frances, his parents and his brother, Edwin, Jr. Survivors include his three children-- Karen French, of Naples, Florida; Carol Yount (David) of Carmel; and Phil (Kelly) of Carmel; grandchildren: Sam (Rebeca) Komar, Jack (Vinicius) Komar, David (Filene) Yount Jr., Abigail (Alex) Nasby, Philip French, Max (Kelsey) French, and Morgan French; great grandchildren: Cecilia and Hudson Komar; Dawson Yount, and Briar Nasby.

In addition to his family, he was loved by many lifelong friends and a host of canine companions over the years, including his beloved dog, Brandy, who was at his side until the end. Darroll and dear friend, Jug Eckert, spent many years in Cadillac, Michigan where they entertained their pals on snowmobiles. Many also remember the legendary IU Homecoming football parties annually hosted by Darroll and Ed.

The family wishes to recognize his many selfless caregivers who brought joy to his life.

In lieu of memorial gifts, Darroll asked that friends make their contributions to their Favorite Local Bartenders and Servers, and remember to tip them well.

A private family graveside service will be held on March 5th at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. Additionally, there will be a formal Sigma Chi white rose ceremony later this summer.