Name: Pat H. Foley & Company
Address: Houston, TX

Kelly, I am sorry for your loss. The Beatitudes in the book of Matthew states, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.". I pray that God continue to show you His blessings and an immeasurable grace and love during this time.

I have been cutting Mr. Darby's yard for at least 10 years.  I saw him walking around Rolling Fork many, many times with his dog.  Our conversations are something I will always treasure.  Before changing churches, I would see him many times as an usher at St Matthew's Catholic Church during the 5:30 pm Saturday masses.  He will be greatly missed!

My deepest sympathy to the family of Jack.  He was a first cousin and as kids we got together mostly at family reunions in Newton and Springfield. In recent years I enjoyed hearing from him often by email and by his interesting Christmas letters, giving a great update on himself, his family and their activities. He was so good about keeping me informed about his sister Marianne  during her last illness. He was interested in family history and forwarded information that Kelly uncovered in Germany about our great-grandparents, all much appreciated. A few years ago I was in Houston for a convention, and had the pleasure of having dinner with him. I will certainly miss him. My love and condolences to all of Jack's family and friends.
Eileen Franke


Kelly, Mike & Coleen,
Goodness, where do I start?  How do you condense 50 years of friendship to 2000 words?  Well, let's start at the beginning.  We met in the 60s at Illinois Power working in what was then known as the Distribution Section.  We had a number of things in common.   We were both ex-military, smoked a pipe, knew there was a world beyond Illinois Power and could find humor in most serious situations.  We became good friends.  After 14 years at IP, I decided to move on and took a job with Aramco in Houston, TX.  Two weeks into my new job my supervisor approached me with the question, "Do you know a John Darby?"  Of course I did, and then he informed me that John would be my new office mate the following week.  This became a 35 chase that created a friendship like no other.  We both worked for Aramco for about 6 years and were laid off 86-87.  John took a job with Stone & Webster and I followed a few months later.  We worked together at S & W  on contract projects for Texas Utilities and Houston  Lighting & Power for 8-9 years.  In 96 I hitched my wagon to the Enron train and a month later John and I were sharing an office once again.  In all those years, we never shared a cross word.  Oh, maybe once.  That was a Friday night when we were returning home from Granbury, TX (a contract project ) and we ran out of gas.  I was driving an old Buick Station Wagon that on a good day got 9 mile/gal and I had misjudged our pitstops.  I always felt privileged to have John as a friend.  His education in the Power Field exceeded mine and he was always willing to share his knowledge and experience with those of us in need.  We had a running joke that we were the demise of all the companies that hired us, Illinois Power is no more, Stone & Webster is gone and Enron imploded.  I really don't think it was our fault, but it was good for a smile. John raised a wonderful family,  was a good engineer, great friend and teacher and I will miss him.  We will all miss him!



Dear Kelly, Colleen, Mike,
       My times with your dad were short but very meaningful.  I always looked forward to his Christmas letters when I did not get one, I knew his time on this earth was growing short.  I think I was able to visit your Houston home only once and perhaps that was the last time I saw Jack.  I am sure we met a time or two at Jorn reunions in Coffeen in the 60s but my memory of that is gone.
     I surely enjoyed your photos as it enabled me to fill in the missing years of your family.  Jack and Theresa's wedding photos are precious.  Personally, I could share for the first time, your dear mother's adult years.
      Kelly, I miss seeing you on my visits to San Antonio.  Colleen and Kelly thank you again for coming to my 50th jubilee; I missed you at my 60th.   May Jack enjoy his reunion with Theresa. :Love and prayers, Bro. Delmar

Kelly, Coleen, and Mike - so sorry for your loss, at least you have many good memories to last.
Dorothy and I had the privilege of being John and Teresa's next door neighbor from 1979 to 2001.  Our children grew up together and had many good times.  John was a very friendly and good natured person even if he was a Yankee from Illinois.  He was always willing to help and lend a hand.   When the eye of a hurricane came over our houses on Mauna Loa in the early 80', John and I were out picking up debris in the eye and he commented that he was glad that was over.  Then I reminded him that it was not over yet, that in about 30 minutes we were going to get it again from the other direction so after picking up some more we both got back in the houses for the other side of the eye.  Everyone made it through fine and we used to have a good laugh about that.  Dorothy and I so enjoyed his annual Christmas letters, he will be missed but such fond memories of a good person, and may God bless his soul.

First met John in early 1956 after the 187th  Regimental Combat Team arrived in Ft. Campbell KY from Ft Bragg NC to form the nucleus of the reactivated 101st Airborne Division.. 
He showed up in a nearly new 1956 Chevrolet 2 Dr hardtop.  We were all envious as most had no vehicle at all. We were platoon mates until our discharge in  1958.  We met again 50 years later at our first platoon reunion
and a few more that followed.  He will be remembered as a friend and a comrade in arms.  Condolences to all of his family. May he redt in peace.


Kelly, Coleen and Mike,

Sorry to hear today of your father's declining health and passing. He was a very nice guy, a proud papa, a dog lover and so big and strong. I liked to receive his Xmas letters. I have fond memories of spending time with him and friends in the house on Mauna Loa.

Take care,

Valerie

I met Mr. Darby a few times when he visited Kelly.    We had really great conversation and I liked him so much right from the start. I am saddened at his passing but I feel certain he is having an outstanding time and chatting everyone up.  I feel fortunate to have met him.  Cary and I send our condolences to his loved ones.


What a nice tribute to your Dad on the website.  I have known your Dad since he and your Mom moved into Rolling Fork and he rode the van to ASC with me.   He could be really crochetty but he could also be quite funny.  We will miss him.  I know that all the memories will remain in your hearts and he is happy to be reunited with your Mom now.  My deepest sympathies to you all.
Jude Wiggins

Kelly, Mike and Colleen,

We are so sorry for your loss. We have missed seeing your dad over the past few months and will miss seeing him....in particular as he took his dog (Lady) for the usual “twice a day” daily walks.  Our hearts ached when we learned of your dad’s passing.  We have been neighbors for 18 years......Mauna Loa will not be the same.  We will lift you guys in prayer as you walk through this difficult time.  


Martin, Elvia, Gabby & Jessica Lopez

OBITUARY

John Joseph Darby

29 November, 1935 – 5 November, 2018

Pat H. Foley & Company

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