04/22/2026
Darrell D. Isham, 63, of Candor, New York, passed away peacefully at home Monday, April 20, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Darrell was predeceased by his father, Larry Isham. He is survived by his mother, Sabra Isham; his fiancée, Debra Eiklor; his children and their spouses, Justin and Kristen Isham, Kevin and Tonya Eiklor, Kasey and Kristen Eiklor, Kari and Drew Crawford, special nephew Aaron McNeil; his grandchildren, Dominick, Natalie, Everett, Cooper, Jaxon, Zachery, Teagan, Ethan, Morgan, all of whom Darrell adored; his three sisters and brother-in-law, Gwen Isham, Casey and Michael Moore, Debra Isham; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and treasured friends who were family to Darrell.
Darrell owned and operated Isham's Automotive in Owego, New York, with his father for several years, and eventually on his own before deciding to join Finish Line Automotive. Darrell touched many lives through the family business, with customers becoming friends. In addition to his love for cars, particularly Mustangs, large SUVs and later "grandpa vans", he loved the challenge of bringing unloved homes back to life, completely renovating two abandoned houses that became homes for him and Justin and eventually Deb and her family, with unfinished plans for more.
Darrell loved life, although he preferred to live it on his own schedule. Shopping involved checking out every aisle in case there was something new he might want to try out, occasionally bringing home multiple varieties of jams to try or new brands of pickled beets that didn't "taste like dirt." While he preferred fruity umbrella drinks, which he took some teasing for, and was not a fan of wine, on a wine tour he might exit a winery with an armload claiming "Well, I like it now." Running errands routinely meant stops for a "short visit" with friends or family who happened to be outside, taking a side road to check out a piece of property or just the desire to take a different way home. Dining out involved making friends with the wait staff or anonymously buying a meal or a drink for someone he thought could use a smile. Darrell had a quick-witted and sometimes smart-aleck sense of humor, loved to laugh and to make others laugh. Whether it was his noodle leg dancing, making goofy faces, coming up with nicknames for friends and family members, or giving his cat an inappropriate name, he was always entertaining us. Darrell greatly enjoyed being a spectator for youth sports, attending all of Justin's sporting events from T-ball to high school. That passion continued with his grandchildren, particularly for bowling and basketball, and was one of his greatest joys. Above all Darrell had a big heart and a huge love for his family. He will be immensely missed at the gatherings he loved – bonfires, picnics, birthday parties, holiday celebrations and all the rest.
Darrell was not ready to leave us and fought valiantly to stay for almost 3 years. Following his stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis, he badgered every male friend and family member to do what he wished he had done – get routine blood work for early detection screening and to go to the doctor early if experiencing symptoms. Please begin or continue to do that in his honor.
Although too numerous to name individually, Darrell's family would like to thank his caregivers at Broome Oncology, Lourdes Hospital, Basset Medical in Cooperstown, and Hospice. Some of these caregivers came to know and love Darrell and he loved and appreciated them. Also, thanks to all who visited, brought food, sent inspirational messages or showed your support in so many other ways.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 28th at 10:00 a.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 137 Main Street, Candor, New York, with the Reverend Phil Jordan officiating. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Candor. The family will receive friends Monday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Darrell's memory to the Candor Youth Association, Attn: Varsity Boys Basketball, c/o Nate Thomas, 211 Honeypot Road, Candor, NY 13743.
