Darrell Monroe Carr

Darrell Monroe Carr died at home July 10, 2016 after a 21 month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born May 21, 1959 in Medford and grew up on the family farm, east of Phoenix in Fern Valley. His family started farming there in 1869 and it is now an Oregon Century Farm. He was a 5th generation Oregonian, descended from the pioneer Payne and Alford families who came to Oregon in 1849 and 1851.
He was active in 4-H and FFA throughout his youth, graduating from Phoenix High School in 1977, and went on to earn the American Farmer Degree. He started farming with his parents while in High School and continued to farm with them until they retired.
He married the love of his life Pam (Loper) in 1996. Pam was also descended from pioneer Oregon and Rogue Valley families, and they both took pride in that heritage. They purchased the portion of the original farm owned by his Grandmother and farmed it along with his parents acreage. Over the years they extensively restored and remodeled the 1910 home built by his great-grandparents, doing most of the work themselves. They called the farm Payne Creek Ranch.
He spent many years working part time at local farm stores while farming, and later farmed full time. They raised and sold apples and other fruits and vegetables at the Grants Pass Growers Market, where he was a member for over 30 years. He was one of the original local farmers who founded the Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market in Medford where he participated for 25 years. In addition they raised sheep, goats, beef cattle and hay. He remained actively engaged in farming throughout his illness up to the week of his death.
He served the community as President of the Jackson County Wool Pool for many years and as a member of the Jackson County Animal Control Advisory Committee for several years. He was an active member of the Board of Directors of Grange Co-op.
His proudest accomplishment was being a parent to his two children; Patrick, a Junior at Southern Oregon University; and Rachel, a Senior at Phoenix High School. They have both been active in 4-H and FFA, working on the farm and at the Growers Markets.
In addition to his wife Pamela "Pam", son Patrick and daughter Rachel, he is survived by his parents Robert "Bob" and Karen (Olson) Carr, brother Dale (Ken), sister Cynthia "Cyndi" Rich (John), parents-in-law Don and Darlene Loper, nieces, nephews and a many lifelong friends.
Darrell's zest for life, devotion to others, courage beyond measure, contagious smile, keen sense of humor and passion for doing things the "right way" will be cherished. May He Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 16th at 2:00 pm, at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Chapel. 2201 North Phoenix Road, Medford. He will be buried along with four previous generations of family at the Phoenix Pioneer Cemetery.
Donations may made be to the Phoenix Pirate FFA Alumni, Scholarship Fund, c/o Mark Vargas, 4455 Pioneer Road, Medford, Oregon 97501, or to the charity of your choice.