Darrell Lee Thomas passed away over the weekend, presumably peacefully, in an Imlay City hotel room.
His name may not be familiar, but if you’ve spent time in Lapeer, his face likely was.
I met Darrell during my years as Director of The Golden Arrow, our community’s drop-in center for those navigating mental health challenges. Darrell was unforgettable—and if you watch the video, you’ll understand why. In it, he openly shares that his own father once struck him with an axe. Whatever the details of that story, it led Darrell to distance himself from his biological family in Detroit, and the foster system eventually placed him here in Lapeer, where he became a standout player on his high school football team.
Lapeer was home for most of Darrell’s life. Sometimes he had an apartment, sometimes he stayed at the shelter, and far too often he faced Michigan’s unforgiving winters unhoused. But Darrell was fearless. He was proud to share his story, and quick to throw his hands. He commanded respect, but he also showed love to those who showed love to him.
Darrell’s passing brings up urgent issues our community must confront—homelessness being among the most pressing.
Darrell Thomas, and others like him, are why Hashtag Lapeer exists. This is not The County Press (which does a great job of staying on top of current events); the stories here are about bridging the gaps in a world filled with far too many divides.
The mission of Hashtag Lapeer is to remind us that every person matters.
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Darrell. I saw him last Thursday at our soup kitchen. I have known Darrell for quite a few years. He has never been anything but kind to me, Darrell did suffer from some problems. Rest in Peace
Oh no! Sorry to hear this! My husband and I knew Darrell well. We walk every day and would encounter him and talk with him when we saw him. He was a great guy. We called him the Bicycle Philosopher because there was always a moral to his stories. Darrell was never bitter and seemed to see the good in life. We will miss him terribly.
Remember Darrell played football with he was a hellava athlete. Life was tough for him being the only minority Lapeer East. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Is there a service for him
Tim this is a beautiful article about Darrell! Darrell loved music, all kinds. Any type of free live concert downtown he would be there and many times dancing with my little girl. He was an amazing soul. He will be greatly missed.