Eugene "Gene" Darling's Obituary
Eugene Lester Darling, age 89, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, March 26, 2014 while at his home. “Gene” was born April 30, 1924, in Grand Haven to Albert and Helena (Schultz) Darling.
He served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a radio operator. He and his first wife, Eletha (Dillinger) Darling, were married in Ft. Lewis, WA, on November 17, 1950 before his departure overseas. Gene was a lifetime resident of Grand Haven, where he and Eletha, who preceded him in death, raised their four surviving children: Ron Darling, Pam (Chris) Kostamo, David Darling, and Barbara (Todd) DeJong; grandchildren: Kristin (Patrick) O’Neil, HM3 Eric (Samantha) Kostamo, Sean Kostamo, Samantha Darling, Saundra (Jared) Dickson, Holly DeJong, Maggie DeJong, Mitch DeJong and Hunter Darling; one great-grandchild, Alexa Rae-Lynn Darling. Gene loved taking his grandchildren to the Imagination Station in Grand Haven when they were young, and then attending their school, music, and sporting events as they grew older.
He also leaves behind his second wife, Ruth (Byrd) Darling, of 27 years, and her children: David Lee, Laura (Steve) Fidler, Mike (Tammy) Lee, Kevin Lee; and several more grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gene and Ruth faithfully attended Ventura Baptist Church in Holland
Gene was a man who clearly loved Grand Haven and small town life. He was an avid fisherman, and he enjoyed golf, attending the high school football games and reading, but his deep love for his family most defines who he was. Family gatherings and camping through the years brought him great enjoyment. He worked as a young man at Bastian Blessing. After college and a master’s degree, he became a coordinator for the Trade and Industry Program for adult education, and the Co-Op program for the Grand Haven Area Public Schools, from which he retired in 1990.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Helena Darling; four brothers: Lauren Darling, Joseph Darling, Gerald Darling, and Lawrence Darling; and one sister, Margaret Kreuger.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Monday, March 31, 2014 at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven with Pastor Timothy Durey officiating. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 PM Sunday, March 30, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Interment will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Gene may be given to a charity of your choice. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
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