Robert F. "Bob' Darling, Age: 90
Send Flowers
Sep 21, 1931---Jan 05, 2022

Robert Francis Darling passed away January 5, 2022 due to a fall at the age of 90. Bob was born September 21st, 1931 to Thomas and Dorothy (Detlor) Darling in Muskogee, Oklahoma. At age 7, he moved to the Turner area of Kansas City, Kansas with his father and step-mother Cora (Nilges) Darling and attended school there. He met and then married the love of his life Charlotte M. Smith on December 27th, 1952. Bob served his country in the 6th Armored Division of the Army from 1952-1954. Together Bob and Charlotte raised 5 sons, Kenneth, Vincent, David, Scott and Jeffrey. Bob worked in the printing industry until his retirement. Over the years Bob enjoyed camping, playing in his band, became a master at woodworking and loved playing on the computer making CD's and DVD's.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, 2 sisters, Dorothy Lou Darling, Ruth Lorraine Nilges and a half-brother, Albert Mullens.

Surviving Bob is his wife, Charlotte, 5 sons, Kenneth Darling, Vincent Darling, David Darling (Christina Cain), Scott Darling (Kelley Pica), Jeffrey Darling (Deanna), 2 Grandsons, Adam Darling, Justin Darling, 2 Great Granddaughters, Destiny Darling, Brityn Darling, 1 Great Great Granddaughter, Dallas Darling and several nieces and nephews.

His life was a life well-lived and well-loved and a life that will be greatly missed.

 

The Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. with a visitation from 4-6 p.m. Monday, January 10th at the Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS.  Graveside Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 11th, at St. Joseph Cemetery, 11709 W. 61st Terrace, Shawnee, KS with Father Scott Wallisch officiating.


Condolences

Thad Jan 08, 2022

neighbor ,shawnee ,Kansas

To my neighbor of 25 years, Robert Darling This man had decency, honor and respect. These are just a few of the many qualities he practiced every day during his time on earth. From the phone calls we shared or him driving over in his scooter either up front or around back to the garage and the discussions would begin. If I was working on something or starting a project we share idea’s. I would suggest short cuts and him being such a professional he would suggest adding more supports , screws, or certain type of bolts. His knowledge was incredible, a true craftsman. We had many conversations over the years that will continue to stay with me for the rest of my life, a promised kept. Sports- he loved him some Jayhawks Basketball and he was a true Chiefs fan for years. A true American that loved his country and enjoyed talking politics. An acredited musician in his own right playing in a band with his steel guitar and multiple harmonicas. We would often share CD’s . He loved all music from the golden years of Benny Goodman to the music that he wrote. He enjoyed the photo shop pictures I would send him and enjoyed making his own photo videos. To Charlotte, the love of his life, she was there throughout everything keeping him together and running a tight ship. Many times when he was at our house, Charlotte would ring the bell out back for him to come home. He would put that scooter in high gear and head home. He used to tell me she was the boss and the keeper and it was her that kept him going. Truly a remarkable love – one for the ages. His laugh and his jokes will be remembered and also the knee slapping when he heard something funny. That is how I will remember my neighbor who I was proud to also call my Friend. Rest in Peace Robert.

Joan Nilges Forrester Jan 08, 2022

Cousin ,St.Louis ,Missouri

I am sorry to hear of Bob's death. He was a sweet and fun man. I cannot make the service for Bob, but I will be praying the rosary with you and praying God sends His Angels to wrap their wings around you and help you during this difficult time. May God give you strength for the journey, I know Bob is looking down on us and in a much better place. He will be missed at the reunion. Joan

Terry Imel Jan 09, 2022

Double Cousin ,Lawrence ,Kansas

Over the last few years Bob and I have had so many phone conversations sharing family memories. Just recently he sent me DVDs of two family gatherings he had videotaped many years ago that included my parents, Dick (Bob’s first cousin) and Ethel Imel. Mom had Alzheimers for 20+ years and we had almost no videos of her before the dementia. What joy he gave us being able to see her as we best remembered her! Although he had his physical problems later in life, his mind was really sharp. Recently, too, his great memory helped me reunite a cousin with the daughter she had given up for adoption some 50 years ago. For that we will be forever in his debt. He was such a gentleman, just like my dad, and after Dad and Mom both passed a year or so ago, he remained my connection to that generation of our family. I will always remember his greeting when I would call, “well, hello, kind sir” . I can hear it still. I will miss him so….

Evelyn Nilges Anderson Jan 10, 2022

Cora Darling’s niece ,Lenexa ,Kansas

So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Although I lived nearby here in Lenexa to Bob and Charlotte, I did not know Bob well. Over the past few days I had this vision or picture of Bob and Charlotte in my mind. I finally realized I had taken a photo of Bob and Charlotte. I had taken the photo of Bob and Charlotte on 8/12/2015. Bob and Charlotte had traveled to Linn, Missouri to attend my brother’s (Carl Nilges) wife (Sandy) funeral. They had joined the family for the luncheon after Mass and burial which gave an opportunity to visit and catch up. This is most likely the last time I spoke with Bob. I feel blessed to have taken this of Charlotte wearing a white straw hat and Bob with a big smile. I hope Charlotte takes solace in it at this time of her loss. As I reviewed the other expressions of condolence, I noticed another post from Terry Imel. It seems Bob and I had another connection. Since I am employed as a Speech Language Pathologist at Garden Terrace of Overland Park I knew Ethel Imel and “Dick”, her husband well. They were such a dear couple to me. We spent many hours together. Dick would come daily to GTOP. He curled Ethel’s hair and had lunch with her prior to pandemic. Unbeknownst to Bob and I, we had another connection. We are surrounded by many people in our daily activities but it is surprising how we touch each other’s lives. Bob will be missed. RIP. Contact me if you wish to have a copy of the photo. I would be glad to share it.

Terry Imel Jan 10, 2022

Double Cousin ,Lawrence ,Kansas

Over the last few years Bob and I have had so many phone conversations sharing family memories. Just recently he sent me DVDs of two family gatherings he had videotaped many years ago that included my parents, Dick (Bob’s first cousin) and Ethel Imel. Mom had Alzheimers for 20+ years and we had almost no videos of her before the dementia. What joy he gave us being able to see her as we best remembered her! Although he had his physical problems later in life, his mind was really sharp. Recently, too, his great memory helped me reunite a cousin with the daughter she had given up for adoption some 50 years ago. For that we will be forever in his debt. He was such a gentleman, just like my dad, and after Dad and Mom both passed a year or so ago, he remained my connection to that generation of our family. I will always remember his greeting when I would call, “well, hello, kind sir” . I can hear it still. I will miss him so….

Services

Event:
Rosary
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia St.
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
Jan 10, 2022
Time:
4:00 PM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Visitation
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia St.
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
Jan 10, 2022
Time:
4:00 PM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Graveside Service
Location:
St. Joseph Cemetery
Address:
11709 W. 61st Terrace
City:
Shawnee
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66203
Date:
Jan 11, 2022
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map