Obituary of SMSgt Barton "Bud" Leroy Darling,, USAF, Jr.

Barton "Bud" Leroy Darling, Jr., 85, passed away at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 28, 2017 with his family by his side.Bud was born August 7, 1931, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Hermein and Barton Darling. He had two brothers, Jerry and George, and a sister, Carol.Bud joined the Air Force in 1948, and retired as a decorated Senior Master Sergeant in 1974. He is a veteran of Korea and Vietnam, as well as numerous overseas tours of duty in Asia and Europe. During his service, he was awarded the Presidential Meritorious Service Award, the Department of Defense Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.On December 7, 1950, Bud married Margaret "Mickey" Lamansky, who stood by his side for the next sixty-six years.Following his Air Force retirement in 1974, Bud earned a B.S. degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, and went on to work as a medical illustrator for the Army. He pursued his artistic passions, including painting and stained glass, and hobbies, including coin collecting and board game development, until the very end of his life.He is survived by his wife, Mickey; his children, Janet, Diana (Stan), Karen (Robert), Barton (Sally), Dale, Valerie, Anita, Mark (Valerie), and Bambi (Troy); nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his two brothers; and many nieces and nephews.His loved ones will always thank and remember him for his lifelong love and devotion to them, his infallible strength and compassion, and of course, his endless creativity and sense of humor.We love you, Dad.A Memorial Service will be held, 10:00AM, Saturday, July 1, 2017 at The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Saturday, July 1, 2017 10:00AM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855