Erich-Peter Heinrich Darr

February 28, 1945 – August 26, 2026

Erich-Peter Heinrich Darr, a dedicated public servant, faithful church leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, at Dublin Glenn. He was 81 years old.

Erich was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, on February 28, 1945, to Inge Höeffler. His earliest years were shaped by the resilience required to grow up in a rebuilding post-war West Germany, bearing the quiet weight of a family history that lost many loved ones on his mother’s side due to their Jewish heritage. When his mother married Charles Darr, an Air Force mechanic, the family relocated to Utah. During his youth in Utah, he joined the Boy Scouts and proudly achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

As a young man, Erich worked diligently to focus on his education, graduating with his degree from Weber State University before relocating to St. Louis to begin his professional career. During the Vietnam War, he answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army Reserve. Though he was spared deployment, he deeply felt the loss of close friends who were later sent overseas.

Erich went on to build a distinguished 47-year career within the Department of Defense, working as a COBOL programmer, specialist, and manager. His work ultimately brought him to Columbus, Ohio. While stationed at the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) in Whitehall, he lent his expertise to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) before his retirement.

It was through an interfaith event that Erich met his lovely wife, Janette. The two were wed on December 10, 1982, and built a beautiful life grounded in faith and family. Erich was a deeply active and faithful steward at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on Refugee Road. Before having children, he spent much of his time playing softball and volleyball through the church’s Men’s Club. Over the years, he served as a deacon, elder, and Church Council member. As Council President, Erich’s leadership was pivotal during a critical transition; he guided the congregation through the process of building their new church home and getting it successfully restarted in Pickerington after the congregation spent nearly five years sharing space at Epiphany Lutheran Church. Later in his retirement, Erich became a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin, where he remained active and enjoyed fellowship in their Men’s Club.

Beyond his leadership within church walls, Erich possessed a deeply compassionate heart for others. He was highly active in welcoming and supporting immigrating families from Hungary, Liberia, and various other nations, helping them navigate their new lives and find comfort in the Columbus community.

Erich’s legacy of service lives on through his family. He passionately passed down his love of Scouting to his boys—Joseph, Michael, and Robert—all of whom achieved the rank of Life Scout, with Robert earning the Vigil Honor with the Order of the Arrow. In his later years, Erich took immense joy in watching the tradition continue through his grandsons, Logan and Grayson, with Michael serving as the Committee Chair for their pack in Hilliard. Erich was a constant, supportive fixture in his children's journeys, always practicing in the backyard, driving his sons to games, and frequently serving as an assistant coach. He also took great pride and joy in watching Angela perform, never missing an opportunity to see her dance with her ballet company or shine on stage in school musicals. In retirement, he continued this devotion, now as Opa, never missing a chance to cheer on his grandson Logan from the sidelines of his soccer games.

Erich is survived by his beloved wife, Janette Darr. He is also survived by his son Joseph Nusairat, daughter-in-law Heba, and grandchildren Luca and Alessandro; his son Michael Darr, grandchildren Logan, Becca, and Grayson, and their mother Carrie; his son Robert Darr, daughter-in-law Rachel, and grandchild Charli; and his daughter Angela Kuehnle and son-in-law Robert, and grandchildren Cameron and McGregor.

Service Information:
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (5475 Brand Rd, Dublin, Ohio). A memorial service will begin at 2:00 PM, with refreshments and a time of fellowship to follow immediately at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Lutheran Social Services (LSS), an organization reflecting Erich's lifelong commitment to helping those in need.