Marvin “Ray” Darling, 87, passed away Monday evening on July 8th, 2024 at Village Manor in Abilene, Kansas. He was born on July 20th, 1936 in Abilene, Kansas to Marshall Vernon Darling and Dora (Sexton) Darling.Ray was a lifetime resident of Abilene, Kansas and graduated from Abilene High School in 1954.
Ray was married to Sharon Lee Bezdek on June 8th, 1956. After high school graduation Ray started his career as a electrician with Whitehead Electric in Abilene until he partnered with Loyd Rose in Loyd Rose Electric in 1961 and after Loyd retired, partnered with Loyd's son, Greg, until Ray's retirement in 2001. He was a member of Emmanuel church, Abilene and Gideons International. His favorite hobby was riding his motorcycle. People who knew him will remember his passion for going for motorcycle rides and people would only see Sharon behind Ray two or three times holding on as tight as she could.
While he was still working and continuing into his retirement Ray could be found drinking his diet Dr. Pepper at the now closed West Stop always saying hi to all of the customers.
Ray was preceded in death by his father Marshall Vernon Darling and mother Dora (Sexton) Darling as well as his brother Coe Darling and sister Rowena (Darling) Hanback.
Ray is survived by his wife of 68 years Sharon (Bezdek) Darling, and three sons Wesley (Dawne) Darling, Abilene, Kendall Darling, Kansas City, MO, Randall (Terri) Darling, Topeka, KS, five grandchilden, Brek (Christina) Darling, Travis (Maria) Darling, Heather (Zack) O'Gorman, Cody Darling, Rachel Darling, 3 great granddaughters Mackenzie, Morgan, Reagan O'Gorman and 5 step great grandchildren, Eli, Austin, Kinsley, Jackson and Sam.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 18th at Martin-Becker-Carlson in Abilene. The memorial service will be at 10:00 am on Friday, July 19th at Emmanuel Church in Abilene.Memorial contributions may be made to Dickinson County Hospice, Gideons International or a memorial of your choice.
Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, Kansas 67410. Online condolences may be sent to www.martinbeckercarlson.com.