Kenneth R. Darby was born on March 30, 1940 in Joplin, Mo. to Clarence ‘Sonny” Darby and Vauna Carr. Kenneth grew up in Joplin before he joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country honorably for 28 years.
His bravery during the Vietnam War earned him several awards including The Meritorious Service Medal, The Air Medal, and The Distinguished Flying Cross. He was chief of maintenance and retired as an officer.
Following his service, Kenneth was a librarian at Ford Aerospace in the Philippines. He then worked as a school bus driver for Joplin and Carl Junction school districts.
Kenneth passed away on December 20, 2016, at Mercy Hospital surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Luzviminda Darby, of Joplin; his daughter, Melinda Hosp, of Joplin; his son Remigio “JR” Darby, of Toledo, Ohio; two grandchildren, Michaela Hosp and Matthew Hosp, both of Joplin; cousins, Joyce Frey, of St. Louis, Mo., and Linda Martin, of Galena, Kan.’ As well as two brothers, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by cousins, Bob St. Clair and Warren St. Clair.
Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, December 23rd. at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 509 S. Pearl Ave. in Joplin. Military Honors will be provided by the U. S. Air Force. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory of Joplin, Mo.
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