Daro “Topper” Garthwaite

Daro “Topper” Garthwaite, 67, of Milan, Tennessee, formerly of the Keokuk area, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at his home.

Topper was born on June 1, 1958, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Armand “Sarge” and Dorothy (Batley) Garthwaite. He attended high school in Clark County, Missouri, and enlisted in the United States Army in 1976, receiving his honorable discharge in 1978. Topper worked many jobs throughout his life, often several at a time. He retired from Kongsberg Automotive as Plant Engineer.

Topper was a certified workaholic but still found time to serve his family and community, always putting them first. He was a foster parent, a prolific talker, and a lover of all animals, exotic and domestic alike. Topper had many hobbies, including managing his rental properties, riding his Harley-Davidson, hunting, fishing, selling used cars, enjoying his classic cars and car shows, and even auctioneering.

Topper is survived by five children: Dameon Garthwaite (Sarah Calvert) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mandy Garthwaite of Keokuk, Iowa, Erica Garthwaite of Milan, Tennessee, Mariah Garthwaite of Trenton, Tennessee, and Summer of New York; his ex-wife Donna (Saunders) Garthwaite; six grandchildren: Lukas, Destiny, Bryson, Rosa, Lizzy and Liam; one great-grandson Donte; two sisters: Patty Ryan (Jimmy Leonard) of Castalian Springs, Tennessee, and Edith Dawn Francis (Mike) of Orem, Utah; brother-in-law James Andrews and sister-in-law Leslie Garthwaite.

Topper is preceded in death by his parents; five siblings: Clay Garthwaite, Tina Andrews, Bobby Dooley, Milton Garthwaite, and an infant sibling.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa, with burial to follow at Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, from 3 to 7, with family meeting friends from 5 to 7 pm at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the family.