Lester George “L.G.” Darling, 90, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, died November 20, 2025, at Hester Care Center, Hutchinson. He was born September 26, 1935, in Hutchinson, to David H. and Ariel V. (Trapp) Darling, Sr.
L.G. graduated from Hutchinson High School. While attending high school, he worked at the 17th and Plum gas station. After graduating high school, he worked for the Hutchinson Flour Mill. L.G. ended his working career with over 25 years of dedicated service to Morton Salt. While at Morton Salt, he was an A-Mechanic and a corporate consultant, traveling to other Morton Salt plants assisting them in improving efficiency and productivity.
L.G. enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and occasionally, trying his hand at gambling. Music was also important to L.G., with a special passion for singing. He genuinely loved his family and friends, especially when he had a chance to visit with them. L.G. was a past-president of Morton Salt Credit Union and a member of Hutchinson Moose Lodge #982. In addition, he was a faithful member of Seventh-day Adventist Church, Hutchinson, where he left lasting memories with those he worshipped with at church.
On June 21, 1980, he married Helen L. Leflar, in Hutchinson. For 37 years, their love, respect, and admiration for each other was a true testament to their remarkable marriage. L.G. is now reunited with his Helen, who died August 6, 2017, and many other loved ones.
L.G. is survived by: children, Dallas Darling (Beverly), Duane Darling (Sherry), Suzanne Pritchard, Stephen Hardin (Ellen), Carolyn Hardin-Levine (Peter), and Alicia Hamilton (Brian); daughter-in-law, Jill Darling; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; infant daughter, Debra Diane Darling; son, David Lloyd George Darling; daughter, Elaine Vinyard; grandson, Skiler Darling; brothers, Duane G. Darling, LaVerne A. Darling, Dudley E. Darling and David H. Darling, Jr.; and sisters, Doris L. Franzen and Darlene E. Bartholomew.
The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Joe Arner officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Food Bank of Reno County or Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.