Daryl "Big D" L. Poet

Daryl L. “Big D” Poet, 65, of Crystal Spring, PA; passed away on July 18, 2021 at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, Camp Hill, PA with his loving wife at his side.  He was born on July 9, 1956 in Roaring Spring, PA; the son of the late Robert Arthur and Lois Arvilla (Helsel) Poet. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann (Hixson) on January 7, 2005 in Winchester, VA.

Daryl is survived by children Michael Poet married to Patricia, North East, MD; Mitchell Poet married to Rose, Ephrata, PA; Andrea (Poet) married to Terrance Hudson, West Lake, OH; Natalie (Keebaugh) married to Perry Vitaioli, Crystal Spring, PA and Nathan Keebaugh married to Piper, Johnstown, OH. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Cameron and Carter Poet, Louvenia “Vinnie” and Silas Hudson, Harrison and Benjamin Vitaioli, and Roman and Sophie Keebaugh; siblings Dennis Poet married to Cindy, Bonnie married to Jerry Umholtz, Gary Poet married to Corrine, and Karen married to Randy Shaffer, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by two nephews, Scott and Chad Poet. 

Daryl was an active member of Breezewood Lighthouse Assembly of God. He graduated from Central High School with the class of 1974. He worked on the loading dock at Sky Bros., Inc, Altooona, PA shortly after high school. He later became a freight conductor for Conrail, Altoona, PA, where he worked for approximately 15 years. Daryl also worked as a delivery driver for Blackburn-Russell, Co., Bedford, PA, Office Manager for Bedford Pallets, Bedford, PA and warehouse worker for REI in Bedford, PA.

Daryl loved history, trains, Chick-fil-A, spending time with his family, and had a love of people in general. He enjoyed socializing with his friends at Cathy’s Store and the guys at Fischer’s Garage. Some of his favorite activities included Face-Timing with his children and grandchildren, giving gator-rides through the fields on the farm, singing his grandpa song, and just being present with the important people in his life. He cherished the role of being a Pappy and Grandpa and attending his grandchildren’s school and sports activities. Big D took great pride in maintaining the pond on the property. He shared his late father's love of fishing, and could often be found casting his line and reflecting at the pond “his happy place” or local streams.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the Breezewood Lighthouse Assembly of God with Pastors Jonathan and Tracey Wyns officiating on Friday, July 30 at 7:00 P.M.  

Family and Friends will be received from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. until the hour of the service at the church.                                                .

Memorial Contributions honoring Daryl can be made to the Breezewood Lighthouse Assembly of God, 1092 Lighthouse Road, Breezewood, PA 15533 or may be made directly online  https://breezewoodlighthouse.com/

Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com

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