Franklin Darling

Franklin Eugene Darling went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 8, 2014 in Rockledge, Florida.  Born on April 2, 1933 in Mount Sterling, Ohio to Edward and Winifred (Pyle) Darling who preceded him in death.  He graduated from Mount Sterling High School and the University of Dayton with a degree in business.  Frank served in the U.S. Navy.  On November 21, 1954, he married his sweetheart, Patsy Adeline Dunn.  He worked as a tree landscaper for 55 years, owned and operated Darling’s Nursery for 37 years, and retired in 2008.

He enjoyed going to Florida with his wife for the winters.  He was an avid OSU Buckeye fan and loved wearing scarlet and gray.  Franklin enjoyed spending time with his family and the Lord.

Franklin is preceded in death by his brothers; Harold Darling and Ronald Darling, and sisters, Thelma Andrix, Dorothy Briggs, and Opal Houston.

He is survived by his wife Patsy Dunn Darling; four daughters Pamela (Gary) Aleshire of Huntsville, Ohio; Ima (John) Armistead of Fort Myers, Florida; Cheri Darling of Largo, Florida; and Rebecca Baxter of Dublin, Ohio; eight grandchildren Trina (Shawn) White of Bakersfield, California; Mindy (Mark) Holbrook of Columbus, Ohio; Tony Franklin McDaniel of Largo, Florida; Jesse Jones of Washington C.H., Ohio; Jaclyn (Travis) Hayden of Louisville, Kentucky; Jonathan Franklin Armistead of Fort Myers, Florida; Madison Baxter of Dublin, Ohio and Alison Baxter of Dublin, Ohio and six great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, storytelling, and his love of life.  But most of all, he will be remembered for the LOVE and PRIDE he had for his family.

Relatives and friends are welcome for services at PORTER-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 331 West Main Street, Mt. Sterling, Ohio.  Visitation will be Monday, March 17, 6:00pm to 8:00pm and funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2014.  Pastors Dortha Ross and Michael O’Day (nephew) will be officiating.  Franklin will be buried at Pleasant Cemetery in Mount Sterling, Ohio with military honors for the Navy veteran.