Darwin Vanderpool
Jan. 17, 1933–Oct. 24, 2024

Darwin Vanderpool, 91, of Ironton, passed away Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at the Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Kentucky.
Mr. Vanderpool was born Jan. 17, 1933, in Salyersville, Kentucky; the son of the late Bert Vanderpool and Mildred (Stepp) Vanderpool.
At the age of 20 on June 26, 1953, Darwin married the love of his life, the late Margaret June (Norris) Vanderpool, his devoted companion of 67 years.
Mr. Vanderpool proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948–1952 during the Korean War as a radio operator where he flew missions with his crew on a B-29 bomber. After he was honorably discharged, he began a career at Armco Steel that spanned the next 42 years and retired.
Darwin enjoyed time with family, faithfully and lovingly at his wife’s side raising their six children.
In his spare time, he enjoyed time on the golf course with his friends and family.
In 1955, Darwin surrendered his life to the Lord with a heart of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ who died for the penalty of his sin and faithfully served the Lord until just days before he passed away.
Darwin served as a deacon at Gateway Baptist Church in Ironton, beginning in 1976 and continued in that role to the present time.
In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, he was also preceded in death by two sons, Charles D. Vanderpool and David L. Vanderpool; and his daughter, Paula K. (Pemberton) Vanderpool.
He is survived by two sons, Timothy B. Vanderpool of Ironton, and Steven D. (Amanda) Vanderpool of Ashland, Kentucky; a daughter, Cynthia Ann (Oscar) Fullmer of Warsaw, Indiana, and a granddaughter, whom he raised, Carrie J. (Travis) Franz, of Grove City; 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.
In addition, we also want to mention two very special people, Darwin’s niece and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Rick (Robyn) McClaskey, of Pedro, who loved and cared for Darwin and his wife, Margaret, for many years prior to their passing. Their loving sacrifices are an example of the way our Lord instructed us to care for others, and we are eternally grateful for them both.
Funeral services conducted by Phillips Funeral Home with funeral services at 1 p.m. at Gateway Baptist Church, 310 S. Sixth St., Ironton, on Wednesday, with Pastor Scott Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery in Ironton. Visitation will be 11 a.m. until time of the service.
To offer the Vanderpool family online condolences, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.