William Darling

William A. W.A. Bill Darling

Opelousas Funeral services for Mr. William A. Darling, age 90, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2011, with services in Sibille Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Perry Hubbs, Pastor of First Baptist Church will conduct the service. Interment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mr. Darling was a native of Pleasanton, Texas and was a longtime resident of Opelousas. He died on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at his residence surrounded by his family.
He was the proud great grandson of Socrates Darling, who was recognized as a major contributor to the success of the Texas Revolution and the establishment of the Republic of Texas. He served in the 16th Armored Division during World War II. During the Korean War, he commanded an artillery battalion and received a bronze star for meritorious service. He moved to Opelousas in 1953 to work with his uncle, Charles Kelley, in operation of the Atlas Drilling Company and Charles Kelley Company, an oil field supply business. In 1969, he became the owner of Darling Kelley Company, Mac Drilling Company, and Southwest Fishing Rentals Tools, all of which he ran as successful businesses until he retired in mid 1980s. At that time, he became involved fulltime in his true passion for raising, racing, and breeding horses. He served as president of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association in 1984 and in 1990 and also served on the board for many years. He is widely regarded as an instrumental figure in the growth of the quarter horse industry in Louisiana and one of the leading breeders in the state.
Survivors include son, Bruce K. Darling and wife Diane of Austin, TX daughters, Karen Falgoust and husband Jerry of Opelousas, Susan Urban and husband Joseph of Lubbock, TX. sister, Sue Beth Andrews of Fort Worth, TX. and grandchildren, Rob Roy, Jr. and Fianc Rebecca Blanda, Tyler Roy and wife Lindsey, Scott Roy and Fianc Katie Leger, Andrew Urban, Jillian Urban, Katherine Falgoust, Erin Darling, Brandy Jones, Allison Falgoust, and Joey Falgoust.

He was preceded in death by wife, Carolyn Christine Darling parents, Joe Henry and Susie Viola Kelley Darling brother, Raymond Darling, sisters, Joyce Evelyn Hill and JoAnn Smith.
Visiting hours will be observed in the Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, from 5 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. On Thursday, visitation will continue from 8 a.m. until time of service.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.

Visitation

Sibille Funeral Home
2309 George Drive
Opelousas, LA  70570
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
5pm9pmThurs8am10am

Service

Service

Sibille Funeral Home Chapel
2309 George Drive
Opelousas, LA  70570
Thursday, December 22, 2011
10 am

Cemetery

Bellevue Memorial ParkH
4833 Highway 182
Opelousas, LA  70570