Charles F. Darling

Charles “Chuck” Darling, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away on April 6, 2021 in Littleton, Colorado. He was born on March 20, 1930 in Dennison, Iowa. He was the only child of Elmer and Viola Darling. Chuck touched the lives of all who knew him with his great love of family and friends, his optimistic, goal-oriented and adventurous outlook on life, and his hearty, joyful laugh. He was a devoted husband to Kay, his wife of 68 years, and a great role model to his three children: Dana and her husband, Pete; Mark and his wife, Leslie; and Scott and his wife, Zina; along with thirteen grandchildren/step-grandchildren.

Chuck enjoyed a long and successful career in the oil and gas industry as a petroleum geologist. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Iowa (1952) and a First Team All-American basketball player. He still holds several records at the University of Iowa, and was honored with induction into both the Iowa and the Colorado Athletic Halls of Fame, as well as the Olympic Hall of Fame. After graduating from Iowa, Chuck started his geology career with Phillips 66 and played basketball as the starting center for the Phillips “66” Oilers basketball team, known as the best amateur basketball team in the nation at that time. In 1956 he was selected to be a member of the USA Olympic Basketball team, which won the gold medal in the Melbourne Olympic Games. He was very proud to represent his country.

Along with Kay — his love, soulmate, companion, and teammate — he enjoyed exploring the many different states and international locations where they lived. His career as a geologist took Chuck and his family on adventures throughout the western United States, London, England, and Alexandria, Egypt before he finally settled in Colorado. A life-long Presbyterian, he enjoyed singing in the choir, helping in his church, and volunteering in his community, especially with the Sertoma organization. He enjoyed music, singing, reading (especially scientific articles), traveling, good food with friends, and family celebrations. Chuck also loved being in the outdoors. He biked Ride the Rockies several times and climbed numerous Colorado 14’ers. In mid-life he switched from competitive basketball to competitive discus, shot put, and volleyball, winning championships into his early 80’s along with his wonderful teammates at the Huntsman National and World Senior Games.

He is under the care of Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery in Colorado. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service is pending. He will be greatly missed!

Until we join you in Eternity -- Chuck, Dad, Pawpaw, Grandpa -- Rest in Peace.

Fond messages of love, memories of friendship, and expressions of sympathy, may be shared at: www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries