Garland Darr

GARLAND H. DARR

CUMBERLAND — Garland Hopewell Darr, 95, of Cumberland, passed away on Monday, Feb. 23, 2004, at the WMHS Memorial Campus Hospital.

Born Oct. 18,1908, Cumberland, he was the son of the late Edward Arlington Darr and Vernetta (Page) Darr. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel A. Darr, 1993; and four brothers, James Darr, Elmer Darr, John Darr, and Nial Darr; and two sisters, Vernetta (Darr) Jones and Marian Darr. Mr. Darr is the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Mr. Darr and his late wife were owners and operators of a successful business they started in their home 25 years prior to opening Darr's Chicken Nest, 1001 Oldtown Road. The business gained fame throughout the tri-state area and earned the reputation of "the best chicken in town!" Years after his retirement and until his demise, many local people still remember and quizzed him about his secret recipe.

He was a star basketball player at the Frederick Street High School. He loved watching and playing sports. He was very proud to be affiliated with Saint Phillip's Episcopal Church basketball team. It was the first black team accepted in the Central YMCA Sunday School League. They won the Championship their first year (1956) with Mr. Darr the assistant coach.

After retirement, his greatest enjoyment was watching baseball and reminiscing with his family, friends, and sitters. He will be deeply missed but not forgotten by his family and his caregivers.

Mr. Darr was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Army and a life member of the Fulton Myers American Legion Post 153. He was a member of the Holy Cross Episcopal Church.

He is survived by his daughter, Jean Etta Beckward, Cumberland; a special nephew, Danny Darr, Cumberland; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends will be received at the Adams Family Funeral Home, PA., (formerly Merritt Adams Funeral Home, PA.)404 Decatur St., Cumberland, on Wednesday, Feb. 25,2004, from 7 to 9 p.m.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at the Holy Cross Episcopal Church, on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, at 11 a.m. with Father Warren Frederick, celebrant. Military Honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the Combined Veterans' Honor Guard.

Interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Park.