Frank Darling

Francis Eugene Darling, 70, of Smithville, Mo., surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully, Thursday, February 17, 2005 at Liberty Hospital.

Frank was a loving father and husband, a lifelong educator and an avid sportsman. He valued his family, enjoyed teaching and coaching and loved to hunt and fish. He was a genial, outgoing man who lived life well and fully. His family and friends will miss him deeply.

He was born on February 16, 1935 and raised in Manhattan, Ks., to Arthur Irvin and Lula Ethel (Munkes) Darling. He attended and earned a Bachelor?s Degree in Education from Central Missouri State University, a Master?s Degree in Education from Kansas State University, and a Specialist?s Degree in Education from Southeast Missouri State.

Frank met his future wife, Beverly Rush, while they were both students at CMSU. They married shortly after he graduated from CMSU and they remained united in matrimony until his passing.

He worked as both a high school science teacher and basketball coach in the St. Louis City School District for more than 15 years. Frank then became a school administrator. He worked as a high school principal and later as a school district superintendent. Frank retired in 1996 after working 10 years as the School District Superintendent for Northwestern R-1 School District in Mendon, Mo.

Beverly, his wife of 48 years, survives Frank. Additional survivors: daughter, Tammy Darling , Lee?s Summit, Mo., his son, Scott and wife, Susan, of Kearney, Mo, his son, Brian, of Kansas City, Mo., and his son, Patrick and wife, Kelly, of Blue Springs, Mo. Frank is also survived by five granddaughters, Amanda, Stephanie, Allison, Morgan, and Alexandra, one brother, Dr. Irvin Darling, Venita, Ok., and sisters, Nadine Winters, Nowata, Ok., and Nola Spangler, Rogers, Ar., several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 24th at the First Christian Church of Smithville.
Burial: 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Oak Grove Cemetery, Higginsville, Mo.
Visitation: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Frank?s honor may be made to First Christian Church of Smithville, or the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund at the Kansas State Athletic Department.