Obituary for Darcy Michael Alger Lapham
Darcy Michael Alger Lapham, age 90, of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 19, 1933, in Mount Pleasant, Darcy was the second son of Ruth and Alger Lapham. He was one of ten children and had a strong dedication to his immediate and extended family.
Darcy was a supportive and loving family man who devoted himself to his loved ones and his beloved community, where he made friends that quickly became family to him. He was a hardworking provider, raised with an incredible work ethic and lived the classic American success story, rising above humble beginnings.
Darcy received his education at Sacred Heart Academy, graduating in 1951. He then pursued his studies at Ferris State College, where he played on the men’s basketball team as a walk-on. Darcy later studied chemistry and worked in California before assisting his brother, Paul Lapham, surveying the Florida Keys. He eventually returned to Michigan to support his growing family in Mount Pleasant.
Always a willing partner, Darcy and his younger brother, David, became lifelong business partners, owning and operating a carpet-cleaning and real estate business. Darcy also owned Lapham’s Garden Center, working closely with siblings Clair and Virginia in Midland, Michigan. Darcy partnered briefly with brother Larry, who provided the inspiration for an innovative variety store, in Midland, Michigan.
In addition to his successful career, Darcy had a strong faith and prayer life which included daily prayer time with sisters Jean and Rita. He was an active member and devout parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish and often attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church University Parish, where he mentored numerous college-aged individuals.
He generously shared his treasures with his family and community, making donations for church building programs and annual activities such as the SHAgala and the SHA STEM Lab. Darcy also established the tuition assistance Lapham Family Fund in the SHA Foundation. Darcy enjoyed forging relationships around Mt. Pleasant, with friends at the Holiday Inn pool, as well as with business partners at Sherwin-Williams Paint Store and Apartment Management Group, where he could be found, adding encouragement and levity to everyone’s day. He loved supporting friends and family members, whenever possible, offering his wisdom, time, and talents freely.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alger and Ruth Lapham, two brothers; Paul and (Elva Lea deceased) Lapham, Clare, MI and Larry (Nancy) Lapham, of Little Silver, NJ, two sisters; Sandra Lapham of Chantilly, Virginia, Virginia and (John deceased) Krabbenhoft, of Florissant, Colorado, and Lorena (Ray) Szumski, of Dyer, Indiana.
Darcy is survived by two brothers; Clair (Margaret) Lapham and Dave (Sue) Lapham, both of Mt. Pleasant, and two sisters; Jean (Ron) Cauwenbergh, of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Rita (Roger deceased) Posten, of Sterling, Virginia. He is survived by 17 nephews and 15 nieces and numerous great nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass for Darcy Alger Michael Lapham will be held at Sacred Heart Parish on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11 am with Father Loren Kalinowski as celebrant. A luncheon immediately following at the Reflections Reception Center in Clark Family Funeral Chapel, located at 114 South Bradley in Mount Pleasant. The Lapham family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 23 at Clark Family Funeral Chapel from 4pm until 8pm with a Rosary service at 7:30pm. Visitation will continue at the church from 10am until the start of Mass.
In memory of Darcy’s life, his dedication to his family, and his contributions to the community, donations can be made to the Lapham Family Fund in the SHA Foundation.
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=ad7edb5d-ec13-4b39-a9ec-6059cdfdf9ba&envid=p-KcqKWj8NtEaiDdauQbR1rQ&zone=usa
Please join us in celebrating the life of Darcy Alger Michael Lapham, a beloved family man, entrepreneur, and source of encouragement to all. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Darcy was a supportive and loving family man who devoted himself to his loved ones and his beloved community, where he made friends that quickly became family to him. He was a hardworking provider, raised with an incredible work ethic and lived the classic American success story, rising above humble beginnings.
Darcy received his education at Sacred Heart Academy, graduating in 1951. He then pursued his studies at Ferris State College, where he played on the men’s basketball team as a walk-on. Darcy later studied chemistry and worked in California before assisting his brother, Paul Lapham, surveying the Florida Keys. He eventually returned to Michigan to support his growing family in Mount Pleasant.
Always a willing partner, Darcy and his younger brother, David, became lifelong business partners, owning and operating a carpet-cleaning and real estate business. Darcy also owned Lapham’s Garden Center, working closely with siblings Clair and Virginia in Midland, Michigan. Darcy partnered briefly with brother Larry, who provided the inspiration for an innovative variety store, in Midland, Michigan.
In addition to his successful career, Darcy had a strong faith and prayer life which included daily prayer time with sisters Jean and Rita. He was an active member and devout parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish and often attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church University Parish, where he mentored numerous college-aged individuals.
He generously shared his treasures with his family and community, making donations for church building programs and annual activities such as the SHAgala and the SHA STEM Lab. Darcy also established the tuition assistance Lapham Family Fund in the SHA Foundation. Darcy enjoyed forging relationships around Mt. Pleasant, with friends at the Holiday Inn pool, as well as with business partners at Sherwin-Williams Paint Store and Apartment Management Group, where he could be found, adding encouragement and levity to everyone’s day. He loved supporting friends and family members, whenever possible, offering his wisdom, time, and talents freely.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alger and Ruth Lapham, two brothers; Paul and (Elva Lea deceased) Lapham, Clare, MI and Larry (Nancy) Lapham, of Little Silver, NJ, two sisters; Sandra Lapham of Chantilly, Virginia, Virginia and (John deceased) Krabbenhoft, of Florissant, Colorado, and Lorena (Ray) Szumski, of Dyer, Indiana.
Darcy is survived by two brothers; Clair (Margaret) Lapham and Dave (Sue) Lapham, both of Mt. Pleasant, and two sisters; Jean (Ron) Cauwenbergh, of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Rita (Roger deceased) Posten, of Sterling, Virginia. He is survived by 17 nephews and 15 nieces and numerous great nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass for Darcy Alger Michael Lapham will be held at Sacred Heart Parish on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11 am with Father Loren Kalinowski as celebrant. A luncheon immediately following at the Reflections Reception Center in Clark Family Funeral Chapel, located at 114 South Bradley in Mount Pleasant. The Lapham family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 23 at Clark Family Funeral Chapel from 4pm until 8pm with a Rosary service at 7:30pm. Visitation will continue at the church from 10am until the start of Mass.
In memory of Darcy’s life, his dedication to his family, and his contributions to the community, donations can be made to the Lapham Family Fund in the SHA Foundation.
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=ad7edb5d-ec13-4b39-a9ec-6059cdfdf9ba&envid=p-KcqKWj8NtEaiDdauQbR1rQ&zone=usa
Please join us in celebrating the life of Darcy Alger Michael Lapham, a beloved family man, entrepreneur, and source of encouragement to all. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.