Alfred Dartis Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Alfred Dartis (Indianapolis, Indiana), who passed away on April 18, 2022. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Alfred Dartis to pay them a last tribute.
Alfred Dartis, 84, of Indianapolis, Indiana made his heavenly transition on Monday, April 18, 2022, in his sleep at Robin Run Health Care Center in Indianapolis. He was affectionately called “Dad” or “Daddy” by his children, “Fred” by his siblings and “Al” by his friends.
The fourth child of James Thomas and Annie Maude (Keith) Dartis of Winchester, Tennessee, Alfred was born on Wednesday, February 9, 1938. The Dartis family originally included a total of 13 children. He is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn, his parents, sisters Amanda, Mary Elizabeth, Magaline, Peggy, Margie, a sister who passed away at only a few days old, and his brother and best friend James.
Alfred graduated from Townsend High School in 1956. In 1959, he relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana to join his oldest sister, Amanda. His first job was as a dishwasher at Methodist Hospital, and he also was a painter for Dutch Boy. He joined the U. S. Army on October 25, 1961, and served as a Marksman (Rifle M-14). His military service came to an end on October 24, 1967, with an honorable discharge. His commendations included a Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal for a Rifle Marksman.
He married his wife Evelyn on Saturday, December 11, 1971. Their union bore four children, Michelle, Alfred Russell (Russ), Heather, and Jason. His wife came to the marriage with two daughters, Monica, and Pamela. Together, they raised six children on the northside of Indianapolis. Additionally, Alfred had two children, Alfred, Jr. (Skip) and Nichole from a previous marriage.
He began his career as a metal finisher at General Motors in 1967 and retired from GM in 1999. Dad was the type of man that believed in hard work, so he worked 10–14-hour days at least six days a week at the plant in downtown Indianapolis. Mom would have preferred he spent more time at home with his children, but his reply was always, “Gotta go to work, gotta make that money” and off he went.
He was a man of few words, a good provider to his family, and a jokester. He enjoyed telling his often-stale jokes, then quip, “Ah, it was just a lil’ joke” and let out a jolly laugh. He had a thing for lottery tickets and would go up to the gas station numerous times a day to buy big game tickets such as Powerball and countless scratch-offs. He was determined to hit the big one, but it never came to fruition. Whenever anyone would ask him if he needed anything from “up the street,” his response was always “a million dollars!” Back in the day, he delighted in fishing, playing cards, and hunting.
Dad suffered a stroke in April 2012 that led him to be admitted into a nursing facility. He spent the next seven years in various nursing homes throughout Indianapolis and surrounding communities until he asked to return home in 2018. With the assistance of Central Indiana Council on Aging (CICOA), he was able to return home in November 2019 in the care of Michelle, his primary caregiver. However, services could not begin immediately, so his stepdaughter Pamela, granddaughter Kelli, and Michelle provided care to him, including bathing, food preparation, laundry, etc. Michelle also provided transportation and accompanied him to all of his appointments and anywhere else he wanted to go. Once service approvals were confirmed, he began receiving home health services through a local agency and had notable home health aides that included his first grandchild, Kelli, his weekend aide Marquia, and his daytime aide, Cheri.
Dad was thrilled to be back in his house and made the best of every day, despite his medical issues. He delighted in spending time outside when the sun was shining bright, and the weather was warm and breezy with Cheri. His appetite was always on point and loved his morning breakfast that consisted of black coffee, water, orange juice, a bowl of oatmeal, eggs, turkey sausage, and blueberry pancakes…he made it very clear that he only wanted to eat blueberry pancakes, regular pancakes just wouldn’t do!
Some of his favorite activities included watching his favorite T.V. shows Perry Mason, ABC News with David Muir, Matlock, wrestling shows, old westerns, and pretty much any movie that was made in black and white. He was a music aficionado. He spent just about every day filling his home with the sound of his favorite songs, especially “Another Sad Love Song” by Toni Braxton and “Everybody Loves Somebody” by Dean Martin on his tablet. In his younger days, Alfred enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially with his brother/Bestie James Dartis.
In the weeks leading up to his return HOME, he spoke often about being tired and wanting to be with his mother and James, his brother and best friend that he lost more than fifty years ago. Though losing Alfred has brought sorrow and pain to those who loved and cherished him, it brings us comfort and joy knowing he is no longer suffering and has returned to glory. Dad chose to be cremated. His remains will be returned to his daughter Michelle at the end of the homegoing celebration.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Skip (Emma), Nichole, Michelle, Russ (Kelly), Heather, Jason, stepdaughters, Monica, Gina (Barry), and Pamela, grandchildren, Kelli Robinson, Darrien Dartis, Hope Dartis, Cameron Dartis, Drew Dartis, Justin Dartis, Jaylen Dartis, and Madison Dartis, his surviving siblings, Gwendolyn, Ernest, Kenneth (Kathy), Sarah, and Marilyn, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A private family viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 3:00 P.M. On Thursday, April 27, 2022, funeral services will begin at 1:00 P.M. with a public visitation (the Family will arrive at 12:15 P.M.). The Celebration of Life will start at 3:00 P.M. at Stuart Mortuary, Inc. located at 2201 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
Flowers and condolences should be directed to http://www.stuartmortuary.com
Humbly submitted by, Michelle D. Dartis (daughter and primary caregiver)
