Larry Thomas Darst, Sr., age 80, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 27, 2025,
passing peacefully at home in Leitchfield, Kentucky.
Born on August 23, 1944, in St. Paul, Kentucky, to Paul and Frances Darst, Larry married the love of his life, Cathleen (Cathy) Hicks Darst, on July 30, 1966. For 58 years, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service.
For 32 years, Larry taught and coached with the Grayson County Board of Education, mentoring
countless students both in the classroom and on the court. He coached basketball and golf and led
the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, leaving a lasting impact on many young athletes.
Larry’s greatest passion was Jesus Christ, and he lived that love daily. He served as a prison minister
for over 20 years, led countless Bible studies, and was a dedicated advocate for the Right to Life
movement. He deeply loved and cherished his church family at Potter’s Hope Ministries.
Beyond his faith and career, Larry loved golf—not just the game, but the friendships it brought him.
He never turned down a good meal, took great joy in cheering on his grandson, “Tmac,” at his
basketball games, and loved studying the Word of God. Some of his favorite moments were traveling
to St. Simons Island and Pensacola with dear friends.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy Darst; his children, Larry Thomas (Larry-Tom) Darst Jr.
and Celine Darst Wilkinson; his grandchildren, Morgan, Aeryn, Hannah, Tilley, Audrey, Sydney, Lily,
Grace, Claire, and Tmac; his great-grandchildren, Jon, Colt, Dax, Mia, and Leo; and his siblings,
Catherine, Beulah, and Roger. He also leaves behind his faithful pup, LuLu.
He was joyfully welcomed into heaven by his parents, Paul and Frances Darst, his siblings, Bobby,
Harold, Gerry, Jeanie, and Jimmy, and many dear friends who had gone before him.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, (March 4, 2025) at Potter’s Hope Ministries, 135
Commerce Drive, Leitchfield, KY. Bro. Wayne Clemons will be officiating.
Visitation will be at Potter’s Hope Ministries on Monday (March 3, 2025) from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
and from 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Potter’s Hope Ministries, 135 Commerce Drive,
Leitchfield, KY 42754.
Online condolences can be made in the guestbook on our website at www.dermittfuneralhome.com .
