Death Benefit #351 – Bill Darst

William “Bill” Ernest Darst, 86 of Lima, passed away March 1, 2022, at 8:55 am, at Otterbein Cridersville.

Bill was born January 16, 1936 in Middleport, OH, to David and Clara Mae (Hamilton) Darst, who preceded him in death. He married Norma Willis Darst, who passed away. On June 27, 1992 he married Mary Ann (Kistner) Kinstle-Darst, who survives him in Lima.

Bill was a 1953 graduate of Middleport High and went on to further his education at The Ohio State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1957. He started as a school teacher in Pleasantville, Ohio, taught music at Perry and later worked for Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 776; he retired in 1998. Bill was a wonderful musician. He was 1st Trumpet in The Ohio State Marching Band, 1st Chair Trumpet in the Lima Symphony Orchestra and he won many state awards playing trumpet in high school. Bill played trumpet in a popular band, Penjendrum, for 13 years back in the 70s and 80s. He enjoyed ballroom dancing for many years; that is how he met his wife, Mary Ann, whom he adored. Bill was the owner of a Dairy Queen in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, he was an avid golfer who golfed in many leagues and he loved to watch all sports, especially Ohio State and the Cleveland Browns, but never the State Up North.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his children, Jeffrey Darst, Barbara (Greg) Moreland and Lara Darst; step-children, Rebecca (Bill) Bailey, Craig (Anna) Kinstle, Robert (Sandy) Kinstle and Linda (Tony) Raterman; 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Equestrian Therapy Program or St. Rita’s Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.