Samuel Mark Darrington

DECLO - Samuel Mark Darrington, 18, of Declo, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2016, from complications due to Metachromatic Leukodystrophy. He was born on November 25, 1997, in Burley, Idaho to Fred and Emy (Peterson) Darrington.

Sam was well-known and beloved by everyone in his hometown of Declo. No matter where he went, people would know and greet him with a “Hi, Sam.” He thrived on the company of friends and family, and was embraced and loved by the entire community of Declo. Sam was a true Declo Hornet. Fred and Emy also made sure that Sam experienced numerous adventures outside of Declo, and he shared his famous smile with people from all over the country.

Sam loved sports and was an avid participant. He played youth baseball with willing assistants who helped him run the bases. On occasion, Sam could be seen at Pomerelle skiing with family and friends. One of his greatest joys was the active role he played as part of the Declo High School football team. When Sam was a freshman, he was given the jersey number six and joined the Declo High School football team alongside his big brother, Jack. Number six was the official tee retriever for four seasons that included two state championships. Like his team, Sam was “kind of a Big Deal.”

Sam was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where, with assistance from good friends, he was able to pass the sacrament as a deacon and prepare and bless the sacrament as a teacher and a priest.

Nothing brought a smile to Sam’s face as quickly or enthusiastically as a pretty girl. He was particularly fond of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and one of the highlights of his life came last December when he was able to attend a Cowboys game and meet several cheerleaders in person.

Sam was a farm boy. He was active in FFA and 4H. He entered lambs in the Cassia County Fair each year, and they always sold for top dollar. He was an FFA officer at Declo High School and earned his State Farmer Degree. Sam’s most treasured pastime on the farm was riding in the side by side with his dad.

Absolutely everyone loved Sam, and he loved them right back. Family, friends, coaches, and teachers all diligently sought out ways to show their love for Sam and fill his life with joy, and Sam’s life was, indeed, full of love and happiness. Sam received much service at the hands of others, and those who gave to him saw their investment returned tenfold.

Sam is survived by his parents, Fred and Emy Darrington of Declo; his maternal grandparents, C. Mark and Loretta Peterson of Burley; his brother, Jack Leroy Darrington, 21, of Logan, Utah; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Leroy and Minnie Crane Darrington; his sisters, Hannah June Darrington, Rachel Morgan Darrington, and Rebekah Crane Darrington; and his brother, Ryan Fred Darrington.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at the Declo LDS Stake Center, 213 W. Main St., in Declo, with Bishop Dale Darrington officiating. Burial will be in the Declo Cemetery.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, and from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, both at the Declo LDS Stake Center.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.