Darrell E. Gossett
December 12, 1952 ~ December 15, 2017
Darrell E. Gossett, 65, of Indianapolis, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 15, 2017. Born in Indianapolis on December 12, 1952, Darrell was the son of the late Edward M. and Flora J. (Knotts) Gossett. On May 17, 1980 he was united in marriage to Thecla (Griffin) Gossett and she survives.
Darrell was a native to Indianapolis and a 1970 graduate of Southport High School. He attended IUPUI while, at the same time, starting his career as a full-time employee at ERMCO, Inc., an Indianapolis based firm started by his father, Ed in 1962. Beginning as a warehouseman, while still in school, he has held nearly every position within the company during his career, moving to President in 1998, and Chairman and C.E.O. in 2015. Darrell’s brother, Greg became C.E.O. in 2017 while Darrell continued to serve as ERMCO’s Chairman.
Darrell served the electrical industry well throughout the years, his current positions included; serving on the Board of Directors and as Chapter Governor for NECA Central Indiana Chapter, Chairman for the NECA Indianapolis Division of Central Indiana chapter, a member of the NECA Central Indiana Chapter Executive Steering Committee, representative for NECA Central Indiana Chapter to the ELECTRI International Foundation, Chairman for the ELECTRI International Development and Enhancement Committee, council member in 2017/2018 for the NECA-IBEW National Council on Industrial Relations, was a member of the NECA Political Leadership Council, Co-Chairman of the CFA Foundation Development Committee, and in 2013 was elected to serve as a fellow for the Academy of Electrical Contracting.
During his tenure, Darrell had the honor of receiving many awards; in 2001 he received the Electric League of Indiana Distinguished Service Award. In 2012, he was the recipient of the Exemplary Leadership award by ELECTRI International Wendt; and in 2013 he received the Lifetime Achievement award from Trade Association Professionals.
Darrell was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church where he served on the Men’s Club, the Dinner Dance Committee as the Silent Auction Chairman, and the Inclusiveness Committee. He served the Catholic community as a member of the Catholic Community Foundation on the Board of Directors, was the current Secretary, and was on the Endowment Committee. He served as Past President and was on the Board of Directors for Rebuilding Together. As an active member of Christ Renews His Parish (C.R.H.P.) Darrell was a member of Team 13, Team 17 Leader, and on the Continuation Committee. He also served as Past President of CHAMP Camp. Along with his faith and family, sports, music, and travel were his passions in life.
Darrell is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael Gossett.
Survivors include his loving wife of 37 years, Thecla; four daughters, Carly R. (Victor Phillips) Gossett of Indianapolis, Megan E. (Zach) Gilliam of Indianapolis, Katrina G. (Russel) Kelly of Indianapolis, and Mindy M. (John) Knight of Greenwood; two brothers, Greg (Danna) Gossett of Whiteland, and Russ Gossett of Indianapolis; two sisters, Brenda (Dan) Roberts of Greenwood, and Barb (Steve) Seacat of Indianapolis; 7 grandchildren, Carter, Hunter, Jadis, Gosho, Amelia, Walter, Eleanor, Jamie, and 1 more on the way; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Darrell Gossett from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, Indianapolis. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the church. Additional calling will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to two charities that were special to Darrell; CHAMP Camp, 704 S. State Road 135, Suite D298, Greenwood, IN 46143 or Construction Family Assistance Foundation, 8909 Purdue Road, Suite 130, Indianapolis, IN 46268; envelopes will be provided. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. Visit www.OrileyFuneralHome.com where you may express online condolences with the Gossett family.
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I was at a Pacer game with a friend, we were sitting in general admission seats. I saw Darrell sitting in the suite, he looked down and saw me, he immediately motioned for me to join him in the suite. He always treated everyone as an equal. He was a friend to me and someone I am proud to call a brother……
Darrell Was a great great man he will always be one of the top 4 guys I’ve ever met in my life. Darrell called me by my first name evrytime he saw me usually followed by who brought this guy with them. Darrell Was a giant in his industry and a giant in Indpls business. He was a great dad, brother and a great husband as theses things you could always tell. I’m so sorry for all his loved ones who will miss him daily. God always takes the best people early. Darrell you will be missed greatly.
Barry C
Darrell was a mentor and true inspiration to many, including me, he taught daily how to live your life and treat others through his actions. He was a great man that will be sadly missed by many people, in all walks of life!
Darrell was a phenomenal individual that touched the lives of everyone he knew in a positive and supportive way…including mine. He was always giving back through charities, through all of his volunteer leadership with multiple associations, and always had a smile and good word to say with every conversation held. I truly admired Darrell and he will be dearly missed.
Darrell was a genuine professional and very caring person. Always a smile and a good word. His leadership and thoughtfulness will be missed.
A true gentleman, humble and genuine. He was always so kind to me. We had stayed in touch after the election and met about three weeks ago to discuss him meeting my younger son to encourage him to consider an apprenticeship in the IBEW. He was so proud of his organization, their work and the employees. I know how important his faith was to him and take great comfort in that. The World is better because of you my friend.
Darrell was a great man. I only knew him for a little over a decade but the moment I met him he treated me like family and a respected member of the team. I am honored I got to know him and I will never forget him. May God watch over him and his family.
Darrell was a shining light in our industry and community. His generosity and character made a positive impact on countless individuals and organizations. I think we’re all a little better having known him.
We can’t begin to express our sadness for the loss of such a beloved man! We always looked at Darrell as an angel on earth- a great example for all and someone we admired and strived to be like! He was such a devoted family man, a good friend and a true servant of the Lord! Darrell was a true giver; he was always thankful for his many blessings and gave abundantly! Darrell’s passing has left a huge hole on earth but we have no doubt that his light will continue to shine down from above! We are confident that the gates in heaven were opened wide as God welcomed his good and faithful servant home! We will continue to pray that God’s peace and strength reigns over his precious family and many friends who mourn his loss!
Darrell was a true gentleman, humble, generous and kind to all. He will be missed by everyone who was touched by his presence.
I have known Darrell both at work and away from work. At work I always found him to be honest, fair and ethical. Away from work he was caring and full of energy. My wife and I ran in to Darrell one evening at Home Depot. Darrell was buying light bulbs. I couldn’t believe that the president of the largest electrical company in town was buying lights from Home Depot. He said that there are lights burnt out at church and he needed to get them right now. It seemed to me that the highlight of his year was at the ERMCO golf outing where he was handing out money to different charities and giving the last place team a lot of grief (you never wanted to be in the last place team at the ERMCO golf outing). Most recently our paths have crossed at functions for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis where he was volunteering. There is so much more to say. He always had a smile and was willing to help. I know that I am a better person for having known Darrell Gossett.
So terribly sorry to hear this, Darrell was a kind gentle man who cared for the non profit community
Judy Duncan-Olds
Executive Director
Youth Connections
So saddened by the passing of Darrell. He was was an Indianapolis construction industry icon, business leader and mentor to many. His many qualities have set an example for those of us who were fortunate enough to have known or worked with him. He definitely had an impact on my life and I feel honored to have been associated with him in business. However, it was Darrell the gentleman, husband, father and grandfather who impacted me the most. He enriched the lives of those who knew him and for this I give thanks to God to have called him a friend. Our community is a better place because of his life.
Gary Dunn
The RLTurner Corporation is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Darrell. The many of us here that knew Darrell personally were blessed to do so. We have enjoyed both knowing and working with Darrell and the ERMCO company over these many years. You are missed already, Darrell. May God hold-up and comfort your family in the days to come.
Darrell was certainly a very special man. He did so much for so many. Scripture tells us not to judge others but we judge Darrell to be among the best.
When God created man, he had something in mind. We sense that Darrell exemplified God’s vision of goodness and service.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with Darrell and with his spirit. May Darrell’s family find peace in his spirit and in knowing they will forever be part of something so good.
Mike & Nancy Jurewicz on behalf of all of Sprig Electric
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Darrell’s sudden passing, having seen him recently. I met Darrell professionally, but it wasn’t long before we became friends. He was always someone I could count on to do more than was asked and to insure it was always the “right way.” I always looked forward to talking with him. He’ll be missed, but not forgotten.
I met Darrell professionally but it quickly became apparent that he was a friend to everyone. Darrell was one of the most generous and compassionate people I’ve ever met. He made everyone feel like a friend from the moment you met him. So profoundly saddened about his passing. He will be missed terribly. I hope you all find peace and comfort in the gathering of family and friends. Steve Killius on behalf of your friends at Legrand North America.
I want to first say that I will be praying for your family during these rough times but your faith will get you through it. Darrell and myself followed similar paths in that I graduated from Southport HS in 1967 and went on to attend IUPUI like Darrell. We then worked on many electric heating projects when I was with Neal Engineering as a Manuf Rep. I remember when we would meet at the ELI golf outings at the Indpls Country Club and one year he had shot the low round of the tournament and he was very proud. I have known Darrell for a long time and always remember him to be a kind and gentle person. He will be missed by many. GOD BLESS
Terry Harlin an old friend
Darrell was one of the first people I met when I moved to Indianapolis in 2003. I owe so much of my success to Darrell who set the example of what it is to be committed, and always giving back without counting the cost. Darrell loved his own family and his ERMCO family, but he treated everyone like family. ACE, ICR, ISA, Rebuilding Together, CFA Foundation…the list of his commitments goes on beyond even this for the people whose lives he touched. St. Mark Catholic Church and the Archdiocese were the heart of his faith and I have always appreciated seeing him wear a cross on his lapel to reflect this. The ERMCO Annual Outing where Darrell often boldly showed his emotions for what was important to him and to his company is something that I have never wanted to miss because of what a special event it is. This man gave his time, talent and treasure. Most of all, he was a welcoming friend to all. Darrell will be missed but never forgotten. Now he is with his Savior Jesus, in to whose welcoming arms he is received – and where there is “Light” perpetual.
Darrell’s death confirms the adage, 'Only the good die young.' I met Darrell
when I spoke to a room full of electrical contractors at NECA, an organization to which Darrell was firmly committed. Afterward, he approached me with his 'little boy' gleeful grin, and thanked me for my thoughts. I enjoyed that grin many times as Darrell lived daily the spirit of the Christmas season in which he departed. Always the gift giver, he loved giving away 'stuff' and took joy in sharing his resources, heart, and soul with others. He was the good shepherd for his family, his employees, and his community. As ERMCO’s legal counsel, I sometimes reminded him that if he had a shortfall, it was being too good to and too forgiving of all he encountered. How much better would our world be if we had an epidemic of Darrell’s 'shortfall'! His commitment to others is and will remain apparent as he leaves an indelible stamp on his family, ERMCO, and his community. His legacy will live in his family, and the joy he emanated will bring smiles for decades. My husband, Jeff Atwood, who was also honored to work with Darrell and ERMCO, will continue to smile at our many fond memories. None is more poignant than dancing with daughter, Katrina, as she energetically twirled her wheelchair at the wedding of yet another Gossett. Katrina is one of the most successful people I have ever known, and her success is in significant part attributable to her father’s enduring love and steadfast commitment.
Darrell’s legacy will live as long as his offspring and others he touched live.
Thanks for the memories, Darrell.
Mitzi Martin
Darrell was a wonderful person that will be truly missed by many…
He was always such a kind and giving person, I remember when I first joined ISA and didn’t know a soul. The fact that he gave me the time of day vs. thinking who is this trailer guy will stick with me forever. This is the reason I take time now for anyone that needs it. He certainly paid it forward and I am thankful for Darrell. RIP my friend.
Great guy and friend, you were a true gentleman.Prayers from the Pure Gold Band. God Bless our friend and Family
Great Friend and Man.God Bless you and may God take you into his arms and Home.God Bless your wife and children and show them love. Your Pure Gold Brothers are so sad to say good bye so early in your life you were a great man our brother.
My prayers and thoughts for the Gossett Family, Darrell was a great man and always treated everyone like family, he will truly be missed and never forgotten!
I am so sorry to hear about one of our industry titanic passing away.
He was as much a great leader at the great corporation like ERMCO
as he was a civic leader. He will be missed not only by the family
and at ERMCO but also by our industry and civic community at large.
my condolences to the family and friends at ERMCO. We will keep him
in our prayer. At last, he is in peace and at his permanent place, with God.
God give strength and courage to the family to bear the lose of love one.
We sure will miss him.
Ravji Sadaria
BSA Life Structures, Inc.
Darrell was a wonderful, caring, compassionate, and genuine individual who committed 100% of himself to everything he did. I am very saddened on his sudden passing and send my condolences to his family and to those at ERMCO. He gave so much to our industry and will be missed! Prayers and comfort to the family during this difficult time. A contribution as been made in his name to the CFA Foundation. Traci Hardin, Meyer Najem
Thecla,
We worked together many years ago at the DPW. I was saddened to learn of Darrell’s passing. May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him, and may he rest in heavenly peace.
Sincerely,
Paula Epstein Fogle
I miss my mom so much, I think about you everyday momߙ̰ߙϰߘ˜