- Born on: August 24, 1931
- Departed on: December 4, 2019
- Resided in: Mesa, AZ
Francis "Dean" Darling
Francis “Dean” Darling, 88, passed from his earthly home in Mesa, AZ (formerly of Cedar Rapids, IA) on December 4, 2019. He died at home with his wife, Diane, by his side and is now in his Heavenly home due to his faith in our Lord and Savior.
Dean was born in Omaha, NE on August 24, 1931 to Oliver James Darling and Doris (Reilly) Darling.
He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids, IA and attended Upper Iowa University before leaving to join the Army Paratroopers, serving in Korea and Japan until 1955. After his military service he entered the University of Iowa, graduating in 1958. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
He worked in advancing administrative positions at Collins Radio (later Rockwell Collins) for nearly 30 years, until retiring in 1992.
He married November 6, 1958 and is survived by his wife Diane (Bowser-Howe) Darling, three children, Don of Cedar Rapids, Denine Polito (Chris) of Scott’s Valley, CA and Laura Day (Robert) of Rockvale, CO, seven grandchildren; Brandon, Weston, Racheal, Adam, Lucas, Anthony and Nicolas, as well as eight great grandchildren; Elias, Myles, Logan, Alex, Micah, Brody, Liam and Hannah. Dean’s surviving siblings are Myron of NM and Patricia Leather of SC. Three brothers are deceased, Jim, Byron “Kelly” and Steve.
Iowa Cremation was the coordinator in Arizona and a Celebration of Live will be held in Cedar Rapids at a later date (date and time to be announced later).