John Darby

John Hall Darby Jr. of Chaffee, a man of uncompromising integrity, died peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 15, 2005, after enduring cancer for the past several months. He was 75.

He was born Feb. 17, 1930, at Festus, Mo., son of Emily Lindley Darby and John Hall Darby, Sr.

Darby grew up in Illmo, Mo., the oldest of five children. Much of that time was spent during the Depression and WWII years, which gave him the foundation for his persevering and patriotic nature. A favorite saying of Darby's was, "You do the best you can with what you've got to work with."

Darby began his working career as a young boy, always having jobs while he attended school. He excelled in academics, high school basketball and baseball and served as his senior class president.

Immediately after graduation in 1947, Darby enlisted in the US Air Force where he garnered the reputation of a highly skilled and innovative meterologist. During his 20 years of service, Darby studied mathematics, physics, thermodynamics, statistics, climatology and theoretical meteorology.

Darby's published studies and methods are housed in the U.S. Library of Congress. His work in forecasting weather for pilot activity earned him the Award of the Air Force Commendation Medal, which came with an accompanying citation that read, "The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Darby culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force."

Darby's military career also took him to several outposts around the world. While stationed in Okinawa he met Toshiko Sakihara. They were married July 19, 1962. They had two children in Okinawa. Darby retired from the Air Force in 1967 with the rank of master sergeant. The family returned to Darby's roots in Southeast Missouri and settled in Chaffee, where a third child was born.

While in Chaffee, Darby was active for many years in the First United Methodist Church where he served on the board of trustees and as Sunday school superintendent. He also served the community as a member of the Chaffee school board for one term and was a Little League coach.

One of Darby's passions was baseball. He looked forward to spring training every year and could most often be found in his backyard listening to KMOX St. Louis Cardinals radio. Even in his last days, Darby spoke of off season trades and new prospects.

Darby's civilian work ranged over the years with E&W in Illmo, Thorngate Ltd. in Chaffee, International Hat in Chaffee and Oran, where he worked primarily as a machinist in all of the manufacturing plants.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, John Darby and his wife, Kanika Darby of Texas, Harry Darby and his wife, Corbet of Texas; a daughter, Emily Tuttle and her husband, Jonathan of Maine; three sisters, Nova Jane Mowery of Oak Ridge, Jean Anne Goodman of Scott City, Myra Jane Asmus of Chaffee; a brother, Jack Bain Darby of Scott City; five grandchildren, Jon and Darby Tuttle of Maine, Zachary, Matthew and Trinity Darby of Texas; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both parents.

Friends may call at 4 p.m. Monday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Home in Chaffee.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Jack Bishop and the Rev. Watis Harrell officiating. The interment will be followed by military honors at Union Park Cemetery, Chaffee.