Robert Paul Darst, Jr, 75

Robert Paul Darst, Jr passed away on December 8, 2021 after a brief stay at Lourdes Hospice Care Center, Paducah, Ky. He was born on November 17, 1946 in Leitchfield, Grayson County, Kentucky to Robert Paul Darst and Frances Harris Darst and was one of nine children who grew up on a farm where he learned the value of hard work and dedication to God and family. He was a veteran of the US Army and served one year in VietNam and was a lifelong Kentuckian. Bob was blessed with a beautiful voice and at a young age was encouraged to share his talents by singing at many weddings and funerals. He was quiet and somewhat shy with a gentle spirit. He worked at Arkema (formerly Pennwalt) in Calvert City, Ky for 28 years, first as a computer programmer and then as Logistics Manager. Upon retirement from Arkema, he was a part-time driver for PATS for about 15 years transporting people to doctor’s appointments and some to dialysis clinics often remarking he hoped he never had to do dialysis. Sadly, the day came when he himself had to take dialysis. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed spending part of the winter at Lily Lake retirement community in Frostproof, Florida where he was a hit at Karaoke and he loved watching the Kentucky Wildcats play basketball.

Bob was a member of St Pius X Catholic Church in Calvert City where he was a Eucharistic Minister, choir member and soloist, was on the Finance Council and at times worked closely with the less fortunate through the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martina (Marty) White Darst, and three children, Amy Crass (husband David), Paul Darst (wife JoAnna) and Amanda Scheidegger (husband Philip); five grandchildren, Ava Darst, Faeden Darst, Cole Scheidegger, Austin Crass (wife Mindy) and Chelsea Scheidegger; and two great-grandchildren, Macie Crass and Brody Crass, all of whom he loved dearly.

He is also survived by two brothers, Roger Darst (wife Martha) of Louisville, Ky and Larry Darst (wife Cathy) of Leitchfield, Ky; and two sisters, Catherine Gawarecki (husband Frank) of Leitchfield, Ky and Beulah Whitfill (husband Raymond) of Louisville, Ky. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings (Gerry Block, Harold Darst, James Darst and Jeanne Grant).

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2021 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Collier Funeral Home, Benton KY with prayers beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Calvert City, KY, Father Brian Johnson officiating.

Burial of ashes to take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Leitchfield, KY at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2021 with military honors.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Pius X building fund, Lourdes Hospice or the American Cancer Society.