Darrell "Mike" L. Pierpont

Darrell L. (Mike) Pierpont, 93, of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Holy Cross Rehabilitation & Wellness in South Bend. He was born in South Bend, Indiana, on August 18, 1931, to the late Edith (Ping) Albert and Joseph C. Pierpont. He married Sally Jones on January 19, 1957, and together they had six children.  His second wife, Sally (Thompson) Pierpont preceded him in death as well as his parents, son Joey Pierpont and daughter, Mary (Pierpont) Weidner, along with his brother George (Bud) Pierpont, sisters Pauline Kraft and Hazel DuBree.

Surviving are his daughters, Denise (Rick) Pierpont-Schott, Pamela (Marvin) Berry, Carole Pierpont; son, George (Lorri) Pierpont; son-in-law, David Weidner; and sister, Doris Miller. Also surviving are his two step-children, Gordy Lampert and Tracy Lampert LeBaron; sister-in-law, Phyllis Berman; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Darrell joined the United States Marine Corps at the young age of 17, where he served for 4 years, from 1948 –1952. He served in the Pacific during the Korean War on the U.S.S. Midway.  He was Admiral Clarks Aide.  One of his shipmates was the actor Steve McQueen, and Darrell loved to tell the story of how he directed Steve to “swab the decks!”  He received the Navy Occupation Medal and completed 4 weeks of Sea School and was honorably discharged in 1952 having achieved the rank of Corporal.  He was also fond of telling the story of his infamous cousin “Handsome Harry” (Pete) Pierpont who was the brains behind the John Dillinger Gang and orchestrated all of the gang’s bank robberies.

Darrell worked as dental technician for Dr. Stamp in Elkhart for over 15 years.  He also bartended every Wednesday night for many years at Danny’s Green Lantern, downtown Elkhart and worked security for BW3”s in South Bend.

Darrell always provided for his family and all of his children share fond memories of many wonderful vacations, Christmases and birthdays.  He was loved by everyone who knew him because he made you feel special with his warm and welcoming smile.

A celebration of life service for Darrell will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Omega Event Center, 2130 Middlebury Street, Elkhart, IN 46516. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Jack Rorie from the Sanctuary of Osceola will render the service. Full military honors will conclude the ceremony.

Food and refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall at the Omega Center immediately following the service, all are welcome.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Sanctuary of Osceola or to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Envelopes for donations will be available at the Omega Center.  Elkhart Cremation Services and Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home are entrusted with Darrell’s care.

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