Darin Michael Curtis passed away early Thursday morning at IU Health Goshen Hospital after a short struggle with advanced lung cancer.

He is survived by his two daughters: Susan, 12; and Payton, 4; his father: Fred (Eva) Curtis; siblings: Kellie (Brian) Malone; Bart (Sara) Curtis; Christopher (Esther) Curtis; girlfriend: Miriam Hochstetler; along with stepsister: Michelle (John) Mishler; stepbrothers: Mark; and Robert Skelton. His mother: Nancy Slinkard Curtis preceded him in death in 2006.

Darin was raised in Nappanee the first 14 years of his life before moving with his mother to South Bend. During his GOS3-week struggle, he was visited often in the hospital by family and many former football teammates from Penn High School (1987 graduate).

While at Penn, Darin was an All-Conference and All-State Nose Guard for the Kingsmen. Darin also played in the 1987 North/South All-Star game in 1987. Darin played two years of football at Waldorf Junior College, Forrest City, Iowa, before earning a “full ride” scholarship to play Nose Guard for the Mavericks at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Division II. He was loved by many and will be missed by family, friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Darin’s memory to his two surviving daughters, Goshen Hospice or Penn High School Football.

A memorial service will be held at New Life Church, Osceola, at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, with family visitation beginning at 10 a.m.

Elkhart Cremation Services is entrusted with his arrangements.