Darren James Holcomb

January 22, 1960 – May 12, 2026

Darren James Holcomb, 66, Westfield, passed away on May 12, 2026, leaving his family in shock and deep mourning.

Darren was born in New Castle, Ind., to parents Edward and Betty Jean Holcomb. He and his older brother, Dale, grew up in Cambridge City, Ind. After the death of their father, their mother married USAF CMSgt. Ron Kerrigan, and they eventually moved to Maryland, where Darren lived for 23 years.

Darren recognized quality at age 7 while helping his grandmother with sales in her gift shop. That eye for craftsmanship would shape the rest of his life.

Darren earned a degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland and went on to manage landscaping crews for one of the East Coast’s largest landscaping companies, maintaining the grounds of Capitol Hill, embassies, the Watergate complex, and other notable Washington sites. It was there he discovered his lifelong passion for landscaping.

When Darren’s parents retired to Indiana, he relocated to Westfield to be close to family and founded his own landscaping business, which thrived for years.

Darren completed all state requirements for landscaping, including Purdue’s Pesticides Program, and earned credentials as an Indiana Accredited Horticulturist. He was known for his skills in tree care, trimming, and shaping, and was well regarded by clients and colleagues for his craftsmanship and dedication. He trained in advanced techniques such as root collar excavation and continued to seek knowledge of “natural” ways to keep the environment safe.

Darren received many accolades over the years for his superb work, his creativity, and his ability to listen to customers’ wishes – and customers were always pleased with the results of each job.

In recent years, staffing shortages made the work increasingly difficult, but he persevered until his health no longer allowed it.

Darren cherished his family and found joy in his relationships with customers, neighbors, and friends. He would have wanted to thank all of you for being a part of his life … so I’m doing that for him.

Darren will rest in peace among family in Crown Hill Cemetery’s Field of Valor in Indianapolis. No public memorial services are planned. Prayers for Darren and his family would be appreciated.

From Dale: I felt the excitement that you felt with the beauty and appearance that every completed job had. The praise and thanks the customers gave you for a job well done made your choice of this profession worthwhile.

I’m sorry that our dream of being together in our older years will never come to pass. I realize that I never told my little brother how much he meant to me and that I loved him as no other.

From Mom: At birth, I told you that you were “my little ray of sunshine” … and you will always be. I will be thinking of you every day until we are together again.

We love you so much, Darren. – Mom & Dale