Ralph A. Darkow

Ralph A. Darkow, 77, of Akron, passed away suddenly Wednesday, April 10, 2002. He was born August 10, 1924 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Albert J. & Irene (Shanklin) Darkow. He retired from Zinc Engraving after 40 years service as an engraver. An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed local lakes and spending time with his father and Uncle Skee and talking to the farmers on whose fields they hunted. Ralph was a Life Member and Trustee of the Goodyear Hunting and Fishing Club. Although he believed he was a General, Ralph served in Europe during WWII in the U.S. Army's enlisted ranks and told his children that he single-handedly won the war. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Illean Hinton. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Isabelle (Williams) Darkow; daughters, Kimberly (Gary) Fulton, Pamela (Thomas) Karpel; son Guy (Debra) Darkow; sisters Joyce (Harley) Roberts and Carolyn Johnson. Before mentioning his surviving grandchildren, it's important to note that Ralph was a man who took a very active role in raising his children. It was his incredible love of children that made him an excellent Grandpa to Rachel Desiree, Abby and Andrew. He loved them with all his heart and spent countless hours involving himself in their growing lives. They will never forget him. Ralph will also be sadly missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Family and friends will be received on Friday from 5 - 8 p.m. at NEWCOMER-FARLEY FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., where funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Harry Van Fleet officiating. Interment at Hillside Memorial Park. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Ralph's memory to the Ronald McDonald House.