Obituary of Jesse Darlington, 82

Jesse M. Darlington, 82, of rural Centre Hall died September 28, 2016 at his residence.

Born October 4, 1933 in Philadelphia he was the son of thelate Jesse and Ruth Isador (Metzger) Darlington.

On June 29, 1963 he married Bonnie Lou Dunlap Darlington who survives at home.

Jesse was a graduate of Penn State University with a Master’s degree in Animal Science. He was a US navy lieutenant serving from 1955-1957. He was a member of the Harris Township Lions Club, the National Percheron Horse Assoc., the PA Percheron Draft Horse Assoc. where he was a charter member and a past president, The PA Draft Horse and Mule Assoc. where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, the American Quarter Horse Assoc., The PA Livestock Assoc., where he wasinducted in the Hall of Fame in 2009, and the PA Farm Bureau. He was co-ownerand co-developer of Bellefonte Airport (Bellefonte Skypark) and a private pilot. He enjoyed all sports especially football, baseball and basketball.

In addition to his wife, Bonnie Darlington, he is survived by two daughters, Ruth Harpster (Michael) of Spring Mills and Barbara Kelsey (Brent) of Huntingdon; one son, Jesse Darlington, Jr. (Lynn) of Centre Hall; one sister, Barbara Garret of Ringolos, NJ; and seven grandchildren.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jared W. Darlington.

Friends will be received 1-3 PM, Sunday, October 9, 2016 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 301 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre Hall, PA 16828. A celebration of life services will follow at 3 pm at the church with The Reverend Gary Finn officiating. A private interment will be at Zion Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Jesse’s name may be made to the PA Livestock Assoc., 1736 Bethel Hollow Road, New Paris, PA 15554, PA Draft Horse and Mule Assoc., (address) or contributions may be made to support a future fund established in Jesse Darlington’s memory in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University. Checks may be made out to Penn State, noting “Jesse Darlington fund” in the memo section, and mailed to College of Agricultural Sciences, 240 Ag Admin., University Park, PA 16802.

A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.