Charles Clark Darby

Born: 4/12/1923 Died: 11/11/2011 Mr. Charles Clark Darby, age 88, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2011. Mr. Darby was born in Hebron, MD, on April 12, 1923, son of the late Walter W. Darby and Alice E. Cooper Darby. A 1940 graduate of Hebron High School, he proudly served his country in the US Army for three years during World War II under the command of General Patton in the Third Army. In civilian life, Mr. Darby made his career in the aviation industry. He was a graduate of Roosevelt Aviation School in Westbury, NY, and later received his degree in aviation management from Wilmington College. After working for several years as an aircraft mechanic for both Atlantic Aviation and Hercules, Inc. at the New Castle Country Airport, he accepted a position as the airport’s aviation manager. He had also been employed for four years as a co-pilot and mechanic with Delmar Chemical Company in Elkton. Among his industry affiliations, he was the past president of the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association. Following his retirement, he established Small Wonder Promotions and served as the company president. Active in the Masonic order throughout his life, Mr. Darby was a longtime member of St. John’s Lodge #2 AF&AM and the Scottish Rite (32nd Degree Mason). He was a past president of the Colonial School Board and a past chairman of Caesar Rodney District, Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of New Castle United Methodist Church and New Castle Moose Lodge #1578. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Claire Ames Darby; sons, Eric C. Darby of Paonia, CO, and Brian A. Darby (Johnna) of Wilmington; siblings, W. Frank Darby of FL, Elizabeth E. Bradford of Kitty Hawk, NC, Mildred A. Payne, Margaret Anne Beach, and Howard C. Darby, all of Salisbury, MD, and Joseph D. Darby of Southern Pines, NC; grandchildren, Monika Simms, Cooper, Logan, Peter, Elizabeth, Alex, and Kelly Darby; and great grandchildren, Kadria, Kamrin, and Annika Simms. He was preceded in death by two sons, Keith C. Darby in 1978, and Neil B. Darby in 1990. Visitation will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2011, at New Castle United Methodist Church, 510 Delaware Avenue, New Castle, DE 19720. A funeral service will be held at 9 am on Friday, November 18, 2011, at the church. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear. Those who wish may make contributions to New Castle United Methodist Church at the address above.