Tommy Martin Darter, Sr.

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Tommy Martin Darter Sr., a beloved husband, son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Tom departed this world on April 26^th, 2024, leaving behind a shining legacy of strength, endurance, love, kindness, and wonderful memories.

Born on January 18^th, 1944, in the small town of Childress, Texas, Tom was the son of Woodrow and Hazel Darter. From an early age, Tom exhibited creativity, generosity, loyalty, and a desire for perfection that would continue to define him throughout his years. Tom’s community service in youth sports, Christian Motorcycle Association, and local business ownership made him a respected member of the surrounding communities of Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse.

Tom attended Electra High School where he fell in love and married Sylvia Culver Darter, his high school sweetheart. Together, they embarked on a journey across oil fields, helicopters, chemical plants, and established a product finishing company.  For 40+ years, Tom was the President of Three-D Finishing Inc. (3D Powder Coating), where his and his employees’ meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality made 3D one of the most highly regarded companies in the industry.

Tom loved sports, motorcycles, restoring his personal cars and trucks, and TV westerns. Family and friends would go on weekend camping trips together to ride motorcycles and cross-country hill climbs. Tom had a passion for coaching youth sports and excelled at bringing the best out of everyone on the field and in the stands. Tom cherished the experience of taking action, doing it with perfection, and going fast.

Tom is preceded in death by his son Tommy Darter Jr., his parents Woodrow Darter and Hazel Worton-Darter, parents-in-law Rubie Culver Gilbert and Conley Gilbert; father-in-law Tom Culver, grandparents Clara and Tom Worton, and grandmother in-law, Willie Olah Ottwell Jones, and his brother’s in-law Grant Culver Sr, James Culver, Bill Culver, J. E. Brown and James McNeese; his Uncle Ed Darter, and Aunts Willie Lee Darter and Bulah Mae Darter McCown.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Ellen Culver Darter, son Keith Darter and wife Carol, their children Ceceille and Lauren, former daughter-in-law Linda Watkins Darter, Tom’s grandson Tolin Darter and his wife Lorena, their children Mason and Matthew, his granddaughter Kaitlin Darter and her fiancé' Joshua Jordan, Tom’s sister Darla Darter McNeese, and his brother-in-law Curtis Gilbert and wife Dee Black.

As a father and grandfather, Tom was a beacon of love and guidance to his sons Tommy, and Keith, and grandchildren; Tolin, Kaitlin, Ceceille, and Lauren, and great grandchildren Mason and Matthew. He and Sylvia maintained their close & caring “daughter-substitute” relationships with nieces Candra and Delean. Along with his loving relationships with their other adored nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tom 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. Tom’s unwavering dedication to his family and friends was unmatched. 

Tom will continue touching the lives of all those fortunate to have known him, including dear friends, employees, and neighbors. In recent years, Tom & Sylvia were also blessed by the loyal support of caregivers: Lorena, Jovita, Rosie, Joyce & Mike, Lily & Brian, Deb & Neal, Abel, Nancy, Sory, and always-neighbors Matt & Vickie Johnson, Mike & Ophelia Minden, Larry & Barbara Hughes, and Pam Smith.

Tom enjoyed reading the Bible, and although Tom’s physical presence may be gone, his spirit lives on in our hearts. Tom’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, Tom Darter Sr.

Tom’s memorial service is scheduled at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 2925 5th St, Sachse, TX 75048, on Saturday May 11^th at 2 pm CST.