Russell Darkes

Russell Darkes (Ret. LTC. US Army), age 93, passed away on Friday, July 19th in Grand Prairie, Texas, surrounded by loving family. Husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, WW II Vet, and long time church leader, he lived life as a humble member of the greatest generation.

He was born September 2, 1919 in Mt. Zion, PA, the 8th child of Harry and Annie (Houtz) Darkes. He spent his youth helping on the family farm, and especially enjoyed picking strawberries. He graduated as Valedictorian of his class at Fredericksburg High School in 1935.

Russ was a decorated Veteran and officer of World War ll. He served in North Africa, Italy and France, participating in major amphibious operations in Salerno, Italy and southern France. He received numerous high level awards for bravery and gallantry: the Silver Star, 2 Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantry Badge. After WWll, he spent time in the Army Reserves for a total of 25 years in the Army and retiring in 1979 as a LTC.

His career was many faceted. He worked at Millard Quarry for 25 years as a diesel shovel operator and foreman. He then worked at Cleaver Brooks and the Lebanon School District as a Maintenance Supervisor. He served 2 terms on the Lebanon City Council and felt strongly about helping to make Lebanon a better place to live.

Russ was predeceased in death by his first wife, Elizabeth K. Longenecker Darkes and by his second wife, Anna Mae Schoener Darkes, as well as a number of brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Darkes Prokay of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kristina Darkes Davies (Eugene), Grand Prairie, Texas with whom he resided since 2001. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Aimee Davies Platt (Michael), Marc William Davies, (Heather), Kecia Prokay Newman (Dean), Ryan Robert Darkes Prokay, and Karah Elizabeth Prokay, as well as 5 great-grandchildren.

Russ will be remembered by his family and friends as a caring person, involved in community activities, and a servant to his God and his country. He always had a smile on his face and had a joking sense of humor. Some of his greatest times were small game and deer hunting and fishing with his sons-in-law, grandsons, and nephews; and he was an avid gardener of both vegetables and flowers.

Arrangements are in the care of Christman''s Funeral Home, Lebanon. www.christmansfuneralhome.com A� On July 27, at 1 pm there will be a public viewing followed at 2 pm by a Funeral Service to celebrate his life. Burial will follow at Goshert''s UCC Cemetery in Mt. Zion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Russ may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4729 S. Carrier Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, or to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.