Darrell Gaston Tomberlin

Darrell Gaston Tomberlin, a lifelong resident of the Unionville community, died Saturday, June 4th at the age of 73. Darrell was born to the late Gaston Wilson Tomberlin and Doris Mullis Tomberlin on June 28, 1948.

After graduating from Unionville Elementary and Piedmont High, Darrell attended Wingate Junior College before transferring to Western Carolina University. Over the next few years, he earned Bachelor of Science, Master in Elementary Education, and Education Specialist degrees from WCU. His career in education began in 1972 as a sixth grade teacher at Wingate Elementary. From there, he was assistant principal at Indian Trail Elementary for a year before helping to open the brand new Sun Valley Middle School in 1975. In 1980 he became principal of Fairview Elementary, where he remained for 19 years. He saw his role as that of servant to students, staff and community.

In 1975 Darrell married Penny Haigler. Ten years later their first son, Matthew was born. Their second son, Andrew, arrived about 2 years later.

Darrell is survived by his wife of nearly 47 years, Penny, along with their son Matthew and his wife Shaylyn and their children Heidi, Savannah, Bennett; son Andrew and his wife Nicole and their children Micah, Emma. Other survivors include his brother, Garrett Tomberlin and wife Betty; niece Susan Medlin and husband Mark; great niece Brettany Robbins and husband Jeremy, and great nephew Garrett Tomberlin.

Darrell is remembered as a kind, honest and generous Christian man with high integrity. He was stable, responsible and punctual, giving attention to detail in all aspects of his life, whether it was school administrator, church deacon or family man. He was loved by all.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate the life of Darrell Tomberlin will be held 3:00 PM, Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at Gordon Funeral Chapel, with burial to follow in Lakeland Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends and family Monday, June 6, 2022 from 6:00 P M until 8:00 PM at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe NC 28112.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Atrium’s Health at Home program, 613 E. Roosevelt Blvd. Suite 100, Monroe NC 28112, Hospice of Union County 700 W Roosevelt Blvd. Monroe NC 28110 or the Christian ministry of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is caring for the Tomberlin Family.