Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
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Darrell Roland Gant, 59, of Sandusky, went to be with his Lord December 13, 2023 while at home.
He was born July 25, 1964 in Sandusky. By his own proclamation, he was a loud child who loved to talk and run around the house in his underwear. Pastor Darrell was a graduate of Sandusky High School, where he was part of the football and wrestling teams. He also attended Heidelberg University, where he also wrestled.
As a child, Pastor Gant attended Ebenezer Baptist Church. At the young age of 8 years old, he received a vision from the Lord. Though he didn't understand it then, he had another encounter with the Lord while in college at Heidelberg. At the age of 22, he heard the voice of the Lord tell him he may not get another chance to receive salvation. Shocked by what the Lord told him, he immediately gave his life to the Lord. This started his journey in accepting and following Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Pastor Gant became a member of Greater St. James C.O.G.I.C. in Fremont, serving as the music director and teaching the teen Sunday school class. He also worked with Community Crusaders in Outreach. In 1998, the Lord spoke to him to venture into a church where he knew no one and had never been. After debating with the Lord, he surrendered and became a musician at the Peoples Church in Sandusky. Later, he became an ordained minister with Calvary Ministries International and joined Creflo Dollars ministerial fellowship where he found his parents in ministry, Pastors Tony and Cynthia Brazelton of Victory Christian Ministries International in Suitland, Maryland. He has also been ordained with Covenant Connection International under the Brazeltons' ministry.
After spending many years working at Whirlpool Corporation in Clyde, Pastor Gant became the senior pastor of the Peoples Church, and its name was changed to Eagles Nest Church International. In 2023, he celebrated 24 years of faithful ministry at the church. In addition to serving at Eagles Nest, Pastor Gant worked as a chaplain for Stein Hospice for many years, where he touched the lives of many families. His reach as pastor extended even further in November 2018, when Pastor Gant had the opportunity to visit Kenya and spend a few weeks in the town of Eldoret. His visit was well received, and he was able to meet and minister to many families.
Locally, over the course of his life, Pastor Gant has served as a volunteer chaplain for the Sandusky Police Department, minister for the Kairos Men's Prison Ministry, and volunteer with the Erie County Detention Center by holding Bible studies with the young men, which he loved doing. He was a member and former president of the Sandusky Area Ministerial Association, as well as a member of the Sandusky Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. In 2022, he spearheaded a Dads Care Initiative that allowed fathers the ability to mentor students who did not have a male figure in their lives. In addition to these endeavors, he also has served on the board of Habitat for Humanity, Thrivent Financial and Family Health Services.
Pastor Gant's hobbies included visiting the water, playing chess, traveling, being outdoors, BBQs with family and friends, and developing businesses. He enjoyed watching sports, especially football. As a singer, songwriter and musician, he loved music and was excited about his new endeavor GFamily Record. His mission was freedom, connection, and empowerment, and his desire was to bring inspiration, hope, and encouragement through his music. Pastor Darrell was very proud to have released his first single Never Give Up, which conveys all these elements.
He is survived by his beloved daughter and sidekick, Danielle Scherii Gant; siblings, Tamara (Dana) Taylor and Roy (Katherine) Gant; sister-in-law, Carolyn (Michael) Henderson; nephews, Jerel (Antoinette) Henderson, Orian Henderson, Loren (Daisy) Henderson, Phillip (Solveig) Henderson, and Donovan Gant; niece, Alexis Gant; several great-nephews and great-nieces; special family members, Evon Alexander, Tikim Alexander, Tyrone Alexander, LaShonta Alexander, the rest of the Alexander family, Troy Lash, Eric Lash, Shirley Ann Lash, Terren Leake, Veronica (Mike) Jenkins, Pamela (James) Kindle, Karen Lemley, and James Lemley, Jr.; special friend, Vowanda Knowles; and his treasured extended family, the Eagles Nest Church International.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy B. and Anna Lou Gant; sister, Joyce Ann Bratton; and brother, Michael Edwin Henderson.
Pastor Darrell Gant's legacy will be one of love and huge smiles. He loved God and definitely loved God''s children. He loved serving the people of Eagles Nest Church, and the community as a whole. He was a very giving and compassionate leader, always giving financial support and willing to stop and offer anyone a ride. The sound of his joyous laughter will be missed along with his anointed shouts of GLORY!
Visitation will be from 5-8 pm on Wednesday, December 20 at Eagles Nest Church International, 2126 Pipe St., Sandusky. Funeral services will begin at 12 pm on Thursday, December 21 at Faith Church, 1320 E. Strub Rd., Sandusky. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky. Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.
