Joseph LaMere Darling

December 9, 1933 - August 4, 2020

Joseph LaMere Darling, 86, of Essexville, our humorous, fun-loving, hardworking, and disciplined father and grandfather was born into eternal life on the morning of Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at Brian’s House. Joe was born in Essexville on December 9, 1933, the son of the late George and Minnie (LaMere) Darling. After some buddies convinced Joe that he needed a prom date, he mustered up the courage to ask the former Laura Bokhart. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on July 6, 1957. Sadly, Laura preceded Joe on May 19, 2019. Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army and went on to work for Dow Chemical, where he retired from the quality control department. A faithful and devout Catholic, Joe was a dedicated parishioner of St. Jude Thaddeus Parish. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, camping, and above all, time spent with family and friends. Joe’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family for generations to come. Joe leaves to carry on his legacy, his children: Stephen Darling, Judith (Kevin) Riker, Robert Darling, and his daughter-in-law, Nancy Darling; grandchildren, Samuel, Ryan, Emily, Jason, Laura, Jessica, Jordan, Mariah; many great-grandchildren, in-laws, Joann Jasman, Donald (Maureen) Bokhart, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife and soulmate of 62 years, Joe was welcomed home to heaven by his son, Joseph Darling, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Oscar and Almira (Wiedyk) Bokhart, and in-laws, Nancy (Walter) Beehler. Joe’s Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 10, 2020 at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish (St. John the Evangelist Church), 614 Pine St., Essexville. Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate with the Rite of Committal to follow in St. Stanislaus Kostka Mausoleum. Visiting will be Monday at church after 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.