Donald M. Dardeen, age 84 departed this world for Heaven on April 1, 2024 with family by his side and in their hearts. Born in Mt. Carmel, IL on July 18, 1939 to his mother, Mary (Haggard) Dardeen and Louis Dardeen. Donald—or Don, as he was affectionately known–grew up and worked hard on the family farm in Mt. Carmel. In their youth, he and his siblings took to the neighborhood streets, selling fresh produce door-to-door, contributing to the family’s livelihood. Despite relocating to Vincennes, Indiana, they maintained their farm in Mt. Carmel, preserving a piece of their heritage. Don’s passion for automobiles, particularly fast ones was evident. He had a ‘57 Chevy, taking pleasure in drag racing and eluding the police with a clever tail light switch. He soon bought a blue, white top convertible, ‘59 Pontiac Bonneville which played a pivotal role in meeting his future wife, Judy (Vantlin) during a Main Street cruise in Vincennes. They wed on August 20th, 1960. He reveled in the thrill of catching his brother Dave’s fast pitches; a feat no one else could match. His other past-times included hunting with his father in-law and brother-in laws, bear hunting in Michigan, fast-pitch softball, playing cards with his Pepsi buddies, golfing with his wife and friends. He was often found in his garage building furniture or tinkering with projects. He would have his daughters “hold his nails or pencil” for hours on end. He put his all into everything and was always there to lend a hand. If you needed to fix something, Don was the person to ask. He once jointly owned a corner gas station and later, Don and Judy ran Dardeen’s Country Things. His professional life was marked by a successful career at Pepsi Cola, retiring as a district manager after more than 35 years. A cherished memory he frequently shared was the exhilarating experience of a Michael Jackson concert, an event Pepsi sponsored during the iconic Bad Tour. There, he had the unique opportunity to meet the talented backup singers and musicians, leaving a lasting impression with his charisma. He had the ability to engage in endless conversations. His memory is cherished for the laughter he brought into our lives; from playful scares during horror movies with his daughters to the humorous tales and jokes he shared with his grandchildren. He was a fountain of wisdom, always ready to offer guidance on any matter. His generosity knew no bounds, and he would not hesitate to offer the very clothes on his back to anyone in need. He loved Jesus and prayed every night for his family members; each one by their name. He raised his daughters in the church and were members of Foursquare Church when they lived in Vincennes. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary and Louis Dardeen, brother, Eugene Dardeen (Artie), infant brother, mother in-law and father in-law, Orvil and Bernice Vantlin, brother/sister in-laws, Harvey Vantlin (Shirley), Vernie Vantlin, Dale McCrary and Mike Walters. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy (Vantlin), of 63 years and his three daughters, Donna Dardeen Menke (Dave), Kathy Dardeen Jamieson (Chris), and Sheri Dardeen Williams (Jeff). Don loved his grandchildren, Austin, Cassidy, and Mackenzie Menke, Zach and Tyler Williams. He is also survived by his brothers and sister in-laws, Gary (Dian) and David (Linda) Dardeen, sister, Mary Walters, sister-in-law Ruth McCrary and many nephews and nieces. He loved everyone dearly.
Funeral services will be held at Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home on April 11, 2024 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Ryan Lowery officiating. He will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the time of services. Memorial contributions can be made to Shrine’s Hospital. Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist the Dardeen family during their time of loss.
