Fred C. Darkow, Jr., 85 of Winfield, Kansas, passed away from this earth and into the arms of his Savior, Friday morning, December 11, 2015 with his wife of 60 years, Rita, by his side.

Born January 30, 1930 in Akron, Ohio he was the son of Fred C. Darkow, Sr. and Molly O. (Shaw) Darkow. Fred graduated from Mount Dora High School and then attended Florida State University on an Athletic Scholarship, graduating with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Education. After school, he taught at Canal Fulton High School in Ohio before enlisting in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Arizona, he met the love of his life, Rita M. Sorgatz. They were married June 14, 1955 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Arizona.

After his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, he attended Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Illinois where he received his Bachelor's of Divinity, then continued his studies at Ft. Wayne Seminary receiving his Master's of Divinity. He then completed his Doctorates at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

During his over 50 years of ministry Pastor Darkow served many congregations including, Herrald, Texas Manitoba/Saskatchewan District of Canada, and Brownsdale, Minnesota. While serving in Brownsdale he founded the non-profit organization, Ongoing Ambassadors For Christ. In 1979 he moved to Winfield, Kansas and operated OAFC out of St. John's College.

During retirement, he worked as a substitute teacher and guest speaker for numerous congregations and colleges in the area. He also served as Chaplain for both the Winfield Fire Department and the Kansas Veterans Home. He enjoyed hunting, playing football, fishing, particularly with his grandchildren, and attending family gatherings.

His family includes:
His wife Rita Darkow of Winfield;
His children: Susan King and husband, Kenny of Wichita Falls, TX; Jennifer Beuchat and husband, Shawn of Valley Falls, KS; Ernie Darkow and Wife, Kammy of Wichita Falls, TX; Faith Linnebur and husband, Jim of Ponca City, OK; Fred Darkow and Wife, Becky of Manhattan, KS; Christy Kurtz and husband, Eric of Ponca City, OK;
His brother: Jim Darkow of San Diego, CA;
His grandchildren: Jonathan, Krystal, Adam, Phillip, Meagan, Elizabeth, Matthew, Ryan, Britany, Amanda, Chance, Katie, Jordan, Bobby, Kasha, Chase, and Candice; and
18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Fred was preceded in death by his infant brother, Gerald, and his brothers, Charles and Kenny Darkow.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, December 18, 2015 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Arkansas City. Interment and Military Committal Honors will follow at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Thursday evening, December 17, 2015 from 4 to 7. The family will greet visitors during that time.

Memorials have been established in Fred's name for Joy of Harvest Ministries and for Thursday School, serving Cowley County residents with developmental disabilities. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.