Vernon F. Darling Obituary and Celebration of Life

 From: vddarling74@gmail.com

Vernon F. Darling Obituary and Celebration of Life

Vernon F. Darling, 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 21, 2022, with his loving wife, Margie Norris Darling, by his side.

A Celebration of Life is planned for August 27 at the Church of Jesus Christ Oak Grove Restoration Branch located at 1203 N. Broadway, Oak Grove MO. Visitation is 1:30-2:45 pm with the memorial service following at 3:00 pm.

Vernon was born in Rolette, ND on May 1, 1934, the first of 8 children, to Ralph and Helen (Johnson) Darling. They moved to Independence MO in 1942. Vernon graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1952 and received his Associates Degree from Graceland College in 1954. That same year he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Ann White. They were stationed in Nancy, France for 3 years while Vernon served in the US Army, and it was there that they welcomed their 2 eldest sons. After their return to the states, their third son and a daughter were born and in 1962, the family settled in the Oak Grove area. Sadly, Ruth Ann was called to her Heavenly home in 1995.

Vernon worked as an Electronic Instrument Technician for Armco Steel, retiring in 1990, after 30 years. He built 2 houses for his family and had many varied interests including reading, travelling, and woodworking.

In 1996, through mutual friends, Vernon met, and 3 months later, married Margie Norris Granvold, who has been his devout and steadfast companion for the past 26 years. From their union, he inherited, and has been blessed by 2 bonus children. The couple shared a great love of travel, study, and ministering to others, witnessing in Australia, Central America, and throughout North America.

Vernon’s passion and mission in life was his ministry for the Lord Jesus Christ. He served as a minister in the Restoration Church of Jesus Christ (previously RLDS) for 71 years. He served in nearly every ministerial role within the church. However, it was his great honor and calling to be a Patriarch or “Father to the Church” for the past 42 years. During that time, Vernon gave nearly 400 Patriarchal Blessings and he was truly a father to all those under his ministry.

Mr. Darling is survived by his wife, Margie, of the home; children, Vernon D. (Cindy) Darling, Rob (Donna) Darling, Rick (Kathy) Darling, Tammy (Mark) Griffin, Carey (David) Penney, and Jeff (Jennifer) Granvold; brother, Joe (Sharon) Darling; sisters, Betty Pashon, Loretta (Dan) Hanson, Irma Walk, and Linda Smith, 20 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his previous wife; and 2 brothers, David Darling, and Gary (Nancy) Darling.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Center Place Restoration School. Vernon often ministered as a chaplain to the CPRS School. Please Mail donations to:
CPRS
819 West Waldo Avenue
Independence MO 64050
or online website:
https://www.cprsgoldeneagles.com/payments