There are some amongst us whom others would consider an acquired taste. A special example was Phil Darling – what distinguished him from many was the fact that once acquired, his family and friends could never get enough of this wonderful man.
Phil passed away on June 4, 2024, after an intense and hard-fought battle with cancer. In keeping with his character, Phil fought the good fight with grace, patience and love for those around him. This is a true test – a man who endures suffering, but who in the fight, focuses on the needs of others. We can all learn from this great man and his legacy.
At his passing, Phil was aged 60 years. He had quite a life. He was born on August 24, 1963, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 2nd of 4 children. His parents were Dean and Karen Darling.
Phil moved with his parents in 1978 to Saudi Arabia when his father took a job with ARAMCO. There, he graduated from Udhailiyah Junior High. Due to the lack of American secondary schooling abroad, Phil then accompanied his older brother Michael to attend Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri. There, he made many life-long friends and acquired independence and skills that carried him through the rest of his life.
His education was furthered at Hutchinson Junior Community College and Emporia State University. He was enamored with music all his life. In his formative and college years he played trombone and enjoyed a scholarship for this endeavor.
But Phil’s real talent was with his hands. And his intellect. He was a consummate craftsman, working with wood, building materials, cabinetry and his mind. If you have ever tried to make a corner joint work with crown molding, and failed, you would be very lucky to have Phil Darling on the job to fix your mistakes. How could he make all those calculations in his head? It is a mystery wrapped in an enigma!
This working class, blue collar man had many other interests. He loved music of all kinds. He had a passion for current events, politics and auto mechanics. He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, shooting sportsman — and has anyone heard of the World Champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas State University football programs? As a loyal fan, he cheered his teams through good years (and many) bad years. One can only assume those in attendance at Phil’s celebration of life will be wearing Red or Purple.
Phil worked for many companies over the years in the construction industry. He was a union carpenter journeyman and passed his boards without formal training or study. He was a natural. Many of us have enjoyed the products of his labor whether it be rough-in jobs, sheet rock and finishing, fine finish carpentry and the like. Perhaps the zenith of his career was cabinet making. Cabinet making is the epitome of wood working skills.
In retirement, Phil took a part time job as a custodian for a local Hartford, Michigan school. There, he was loved by the students and faculty and was quick with a smile and “dad joke.” I wonder if the kiddos called him “Phil-Pie” like the rest of us?
Over the years, Phil was a trusted friend to many. His “little village” in the Kansas City area knew that he would cheerfully do whatever was needed to help a friend. He was happy to fix anything, was quick to help those in need and was a father figure to the youngsters he encountered along the way. We all loved him — and he loved us back. It is no surprise that he coached youth soccer and softball.
This leads to the best part: Family.
Phil met his lovely wife, Tina, in 1997 in Paragould, Arkansas. Tina was working as a clerk in a gas station. After a brief discussion with Tina about outrageous gas prices (Tina didn’t set the prices!), he worked up the courage to call the station to talk to the cute girl with the red lipstick. The rest is history. The couple soon decided they liked each other, fell in love, and spent the rest of their days together. The natural result was the birth of two wonderful children, Halee Belle Darling and Hunter Dean Darling. There can be no doubt: Phil loved his family, unconditionally and forever. Our blessings are on Tina, Halee and Hunter during this tough time.
We would be remiss to leave out Tina’s heroic efforts through Phil’s illness. She was a fierce advocate, researcher, champion, faithful, supportive and loving spouse. Tina never left Phil’s side to the end. Her love for her husband was borne out in her efforts to make his life the best it could be through hard times. The rest of us can only be so lucky as to have a devoted spouse like Miss Tina.
Our brother, husband, father and great friend was predeceased by his parents, but is survived by his wife, Tina; children, Halee and Hunter; his siblings, Michael Darling, Dina Clark (Barry) and their children, Nicholas Clark (Eva) and Nathan Clark (Jacklyn), Derrick Darling (Katie) and their children, Karl and Grace Darling. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Danny Costner (Amanda) and their children, Brean Galaviz-O’Neill (Vanessa), Mariah Costner (Billy), Tonia O’Neill (Gilbert), Chaslynn O’Neill, Skyler O’Neill (Breanna), Jackie Costner, Amanda Burgett (Justin), Bradley Butler, Emily Butler; along with twelve great nieces and nephews.
Those of us who have faith in the love and divinity of Jesus can rest easy, knowing that Phil has entered paradise and enjoys the company of Almighty God and those loved ones who have passed before. There, our Lord has told Phil, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., Hartford United Methodist Church, 425 East Main Street, Hartford, Michigan. Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Services
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sunday
June 23, 2024
2:00 PM
Hartford United Methodist Church
425 East Main Street
Hartford, MI 49057
Posted On: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 4:50 PM
