Mr. Rothford ("Rocky") Darden

Mr. Rothford (Rocky) Darden was the eldest child born to Olivia Darden on January 23, 1949, in Merigold, Mississippi. He migrated to St. Louis, Missouri with his grandparents, Augusta and William Burnette, in the early 1950's. His mother, father, and grandparents preceded him in death. 

Rocky was very family oriented and at a very early age embraced his brothers, sisters, and cousins as his proteges. Taking care of his siblings, and later his family, was most important to him. 
He attended St. Louis public schools and graduated in 1968 from O'Fallon Technical High School. At O'Fallon, he majored in electrical engineering which, after graduating from O'Fallon, secured him a position at McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Rocky enlisted in the United States Air Force and served honorably from 1970 until his discharge in 1974. Upon returning home he changed careers and became a cement finisher, working for some of the top names in the business. His handy work is scattered throughout the St. Louis area. 

In his retirement, Rocky would be called to "finish" a job. Though he had retired, Rocky kept busy by volunteering for the Red Cross, driving for a ride share service, and finishing the cement on small projects. When not doing any of those things, you could find him with his brother-in-law, Donald, enjoying his favorite hobby, fishing. 

Rocky confessed his life to Christ at a young age and lived his life believing in God. Rocky was full of joy, love, and happiness. He was a loving husband, brother, father and friend. 

He will be truly missed by his wife, Orilla Darden; three daughters, Annitta Kelly, Nikia Darden-Romious (Tynard), and Stephanie Darden; two grandchildren, Robie and Makhallah; two sisters, Joyce G. Jones (Donald) and Justina S. Townsend; one brother, Orsino C. Townsend (Betty); two brothers-in-law, Donald Jones and Willie Edwards; seven sisters-in-law, Esther Hamilton, Julia Davis, Shirley Paige Qoseph), Brenda Edwards, Clara Billingsley (Dwight), Olivia Draper McKinney, Yvonne Wyndham; one great-aunt, Bonnie Dozier; one nephew, seven nieces, and a host of relatives and friends. 

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