Harold Oliver Rood Darge entered into the presence of the Lord on January 7, 2017 at the age of 89. He was born in Zion, IL on July 30, 1927 to Ruth Henninger and Clarence Rood. After losing his father at the age of 9 months, his mother remarried and his stepfather, Peter Darge, adopted him.
Harold is survived by his wife Carol Maatman of almost 48 years. His 3 children, Bryan Katrina Darge of Bartlett, IL, Brenda Matthew Schneider of O’Fallon, MO., and Bradley Tonia Darge of Rockford, IL. 9 Grandchildren, Gregory, Kayla, Ryan Schneider, Arend, Kyle, Shane, Julia, Lauren and Avianna Darge. One brother Donald Darge Lauri of North Barrington.
Harold served in the Navy branch of the Military. He studied Aviation Radio and with his knowledge of Morse Code, later became a Ham Radio operator. KC9OC He enjoyed contacting people around the world and especially friends on the Mission field.
He worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Company currently AT&T for 35 years retiring in 1984. He worked as lineman in his early years and retired as an engineer in the Chicago office.
In 1984 he moved the family to Yakima, WA where he owned and operated a small apple orchard for 21 years. He loved the daily life of working outdoors and seeing the beautiful apples form on the trees.
In 2005, Harold and his wife moved back to the MidWest and settled in the little town of Sandwich, IL It was wonderful to be back to their roots and closer to extended family.
Harold loved serving the Lord and did so in many ways. Whether it was as an Elder, Sunday School teacher, Awana or small group leader, he did it faithfully.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a contribution to Moody Bible Institute where he received his Biblical training.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Burkhart-Eighner Funeral Home in Sandwich with Pastor Tim Badal officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday January 12, 2017 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 the funeral home in Sandwich. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to
www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Burkhart-Eighner Funeral Home606 E. Arnold Rd.Sandwich, IL 60548815-786-2165