David Clyde Darling died after a short illness on August 24, 2015, surrounded by his family at the Queen of the Valley Hospital, Napa CA. He was born to Donald E. and Helen E. Darling on August 1, 1949 in Vallejo CA. David was named after his two grandfathers.

At the age of six, the family moved to Napa where David grew up and made life-long friendships with Paul Wheeler who lived around the corner and Frank Sudmann who lived next door. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and hunting with his dad, uncle Doc. and brother-in-law Bob Horton.

David graduated from Napa High School in 1967. Following his high school graduation he attended the Napa Junior College, graduating in 1969. He later completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Golden Gate University.

David became an avid reader. He especially loved reading history, Mark Twain, about the Old West, and General Patton in WWII. He was also a John Wayne movie fan…the Duke!

David started his law enforcement career as a dispatcher with Calistoga Police Department in 1970. He soon left there to become an officer at St. Helena PD where he worked until his retirement in 2002. He served as the president of the St. Helena Police Officers’ Association for many years. He was a long-time member of the County Peace Officer’s Association, and was serving as the secretary at the time of death.

David is survived by his four sisters: Dawn Horton (Robert), Sara Wallace (John), Ila Hohmann (Mark), Carol Wright (Robert); his nephews Robert, Zachary, William Wright and nieces Shannon Murphy, Cindy Horton, Carolyn Daulton, Katie Perez as well as his six grand-nephews and seven grand-nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Donald and Helen Darling, Grandparents David and Ila Darling and Clyde and Georgia Davis.

A memorial service was  held at Tulocay Funeral Home on September 11, 2015.