Francis Keith Darr

Mr. Darr died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004, at Eudora Nursing Center.

He was born Aug. 9, 1919, in Centralia, the son of James Oscar and Blanche Colwell Darr. He graduated from Centralia High School in 1937.

Mr. Darr served in World War II in the European theater from 1942 to 1945, earning a Bronze Star. He was appointed as Centralia’s postmaster in April 1945, where he served 35 years. He retired Jan. 16, 1981. He was a member of the church, where he served on various boards and was a member or the choir.

He was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 39 and York Rite No. 32, both of Seneca. He served as master of Centralia Lodge No. 89. He served as district deputy grand master of Grand Lodge of Kansas District No. 22 in 1963. He also was a member of Scottish Rite and Arab Shrine, both of Topeka.

Mr. Darr was a member of Order of Eastern Star No. 164, Hilda Chapter of Marysville, American Legion Post No. 216, of Centralia, of which he served as past commander and was a 50-year member. He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars in Manhattan. He also was a member of National Association of Postmasters and a retired member of Federal Employees.

He married Margaret Bonifas on Dec. 31, 1941, in Centralia. She died Aug. 27, 2004.

Survivors include a son, Michael Keith, Mesa, Ariz.; a daughter, Lynda Kay Byrne, Eudora; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to the church and East Ridge Care Home in Centralia, sent in care of Hayes-Popkess Funeral Home, 801 Fourth St., Centralia 66415.