Laurence M. "Larry" Darst Jr.
Lt. Colonel (USAF retired) Laurence "Larry" M. Darst Jr. went to be with the Lord January 21, 2011 at 7AM in the morning at his home in Sun City West, Arizona
Larry was born to Laurence M. Darst and Lillian Grace Stinson on March 30, 1922 in St. Mary's hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.
He began active duty in the United States Army Air Force on February 12, 1943 in Dodge City, Kansas where he began training as a pilot in the B-26 Marauder. He said it had a bad reputation that began with, "One a day in Tampa Bay." Even so, he learned to love flying the B-26 Marauder. Larry was discharged in 1944 but enlisted again after learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He flew over 20 combat missions in the European theater of operations.
He has served in several combat zones: World War II: Ardennes, central Europe, and Rhineland; Korea; and Vietnam. He served many places within the United States and four years in Mallorca, Spain with the 65th Air Division Defense.
During his Air Force career, Lt. Col. Darst has been honored many times, including three Bronze Stars, Air Medal, AF Commendation, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Service Medal, Victory Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, RVN Staff Medal, RVN Campaign Medal, AF Longevity Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal.
Throughout his life Laurence pursued many interests: traveling, sailing, rock hunting, gem cutting, model building, family history, and reading. He maintained many friendships and loved writing to family and friends.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Betty Darst, his nieces Sharon Markley and Donna Ebert, his brother-in-law Irvine Barron and wife June and their children: Kimbal, Kirk, Kit, Katrina and Gretchen. Laurence was preceded in death by his sister Anne Sertic.
Laurence was best known for his reserved, gentle nature and kindness. He was a great husband, a wonderful uncle and a loyal friend. He has gone to be with the Lord whom he loved.
Daily News-Sun
March 17, 2011.
Laurence M. "Larry" Darst Jr.
Lt. Colonel (USAF retired) Laurence "Larry" M. Darst Jr. went to be with the Lord January 21, 2011 at 7AM in the morning at his home in Sun City West, Arizona
Larry was born to Laurence M. Darst and Lillian Grace Stinson on March 30, 1922 in St. Mary's hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.
He began active duty in the United States Army Air Force on February 12, 1943 in Dodge City, Kansas where he began training as a pilot in the B-26 Marauder. He said it had a bad reputation that began with, "One a day in Tampa Bay." Even so, he learned to love flying the B-26 Marauder. Larry was discharged in 1944 but enlisted again after learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He flew over 20 combat missions in the European theater of operations.
He has served in several combat zones: World War II: Ardennes, central Europe, and Rhineland; Korea; and Vietnam. He served many places within the United States and four years in Mallorca, Spain with the 65th Air Division Defense.
During his Air Force career, Lt. Col. Darst has been honored many times, including three Bronze Stars, Air Medal, AF Commendation, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Service Medal, Victory Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, RVN Staff Medal, RVN Campaign Medal, AF Longevity Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal.
Throughout his life Laurence pursued many interests: traveling, sailing, rock hunting, gem cutting, model building, family history, and reading. He maintained many friendships and loved writing to family and friends.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Betty Darst, his nieces Sharon Markley and Donna Ebert, his brother-in-law Irvine Barron and wife June and their children: Kimbal, Kirk, Kit, Katrina and Gretchen. Laurence was preceded in death by his sister Anne Sertic.
Laurence was best known for his reserved, gentle nature and kindness. He was a great husband, a wonderful uncle and a loyal friend. He has gone to be with the Lord whom he loved.
Daily News-Sun
March 17, 2011.
Gravesite Details
6C2R
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