Alva Raymond “Rex” Darst, April 28, 1895 – March 2, 1988

A native of Fremont County, Rex, as he was known, was the son of Solomon and Alice Darst. He was born on April 28, 1895, in Omaha, Nebraska. He passed away on March 2, 1988, at the Grape Community Hospital, in Hamburg, Iowa.

As a young boy, Rex moved with his family to Anderson, Iowa where he spent his younger years. Later he made his home with the William Chambers family until he enlisted in the Army in 1917. He served in World War I as a member of the 109th. Engineers, 34th. Division. He first served in Deming, New Mexico and then was shipped to France where he served the remainder of his time until he returned home to be discharged in 1918, in Des Moines, Iowa. After his discharge from the service, he settled in Percival, Iowa as a farmer. It was here that he met Estyna A. (Tiny) Handy. They were married on February 18, 1921 and to this union two daughters were born, Jeanne and Rosemary.

In 1938 the family moved to Sidney, Iowa where Rex worked for the county until his retirement in 1961. Rex had an avid interest in sports, but his passion was baseball which he played semi-pro as a young man. He was manager of the American Legion baseball team for many years.

Rex was a member of the W.W.I. Barracks #1550, and he served as Commander, District Commander, and Quartermaster until the Barracks was dissolved in 1980. He was also a member of the Sidney American Legion Post #128 since its inception in 1923. He was an active member of the Firing Squad for many years.

Most people will remember Rex for his faithful participation in the Sidney Rodeo where he carried the American Legion Flag in the Grand Entry Parade until 1987 when his health began to fail. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #8410 in Sidney and served as Post Commander in 1953. After the Sidney Post was dissolved he transferred to the Rommel-Conklin Post #7064 in Tabor, Iowa and at the time of this death was Honorary Commander. Rex was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and Eagles Lodge in Nebraska City, Neb. for many years.

Source:~ Submitted and transcribed by Trish Randolph

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