Howard W. Darling, 94, of Factoryville, Pa., passed peacefully to the Lord on Monday, March
27, at Scranton Regional Hospital in the presence of family. He was preceded in death by his
wife of 46 years, Anna K. Darling.
Howard was born in Nicholson, Pa., on Aug. 16, 1928, to Lester W. and Sarah Alice Powers
Darling. He attended Benton High School participating in sports such as basketball and baseball.
He owned and operated Darling Locker Plant in La Plume, Pa., for 64 years. Growing up on the
family farm working side by side with his family instilled a strong work ethic. Another family
business, the Darling Locker Plant was started by his father where he worked and developed his
passion for the meat industry. He became a well-known businessman in the area. Back in the
day, the Darling Locker Plant was a full grocery store and meat market serving the community.
Howard held several positions not only as a meat cutter, but a livestock buyer at auctions. He
attended local fairs and supported the youth by purchasing animals grown as 4H projects. A
mentor to many people teaching gardening skills and the trade of custom butchering in the meat
industry. In the farming community, he was admired for his ability to grow high-quality
produce, especially his well-known sweet corn. He would always smile and laugh when asked
his gardening secrets and how to deal with a specific growing problem.
He was dedicated to working right up to January of this year. After the arrival of the seed order,
he was on schedule for spring planting and the seeds are started in the greenhouse. It was typical
to see Howard on the 5610 Ford tractor plowing in the month of March.
He leaves behind his son, Dean and daughter, Vicki with husband Bob Smith; along with his
grandchildren, Corinne, Kurt with wife Krystal; siblings, David Darling and Sally Wells; and
many nieces and nephews.
Howard was preceded in death by sons, Neil and Howard; and siblings, Roy, Patricia, Olive and
Paul.
His family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Regional Hospital of Scranton for
providing exceptional care.
The family will receive relatives and friends at Anthony P. Litwin Jr. Funeral Homes Inc., 33
Reynolds St., on Friday, March 31, from 4 to 7 p.m., and the funeral on Saturday, April 1, at 11am