Emerson Darst was born in Columbus, Ohio on April 10, 1938, to the late Emery and Margaret Darst He was 84 when he passed away on July 1 ^st in Clermont, FL.  He was preceded by his wife of 41 years, Faye.  He is survived by his son, Lee; daughter, Deanne; stepsons, Steve, and Scott; grandchildren, Cassie, Samantha, Christopher, Kalie, and Dylan; and four great grandchildren, Trey, Ashton, Alexander, and Lilith.

Growing up, Emerson was an avid football player, basketball player, and involved in theatre.  He was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1956 -1958.

Afterwards, he attended Milligan College in Tennessee, where he received his teaching degree and met his first wife, Louise.  HE taught two years in Tennessee before moving to Lake City, Florida, where he taught another two years.  Realizing teaching wasn't his thing, he turned to insurance where he worked as an adjuster for Farm Bureau for 30 years.

He met Faye in the late 70's and they were married on November 30, 1980.  During the 70's he still enjoyed theatre and continued playing basketball throughout the 80's.  Sometime during his life, he took up playing cards and golf.  The guy played golf until he was around 81 years old!  The last few years he called it work.  And be careful when you played cards with him; he was a card shark!  No matter how many times the family tried to gang up on him, he would still win.  He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022, 11am at Becker Funeral Home.