Etzel 'Trapper'
Robert Darling, 77
WOODSIDE - Etzel "Trapper" Robert Darling left this earth for heaven on Monday, December 5, 2022.
Etzel was born on November 22, 1945, in Viola, DE to the late Elijah Lawrence and Ora Frederica Remus Darling.
He attended Caesar Rodney High School and was a veteran of the United States Army. Etzel worked for Reichhold Chemicals in Cheswold for 40 years before retiring in 2007. Throughout his life, he enjoyed reading westerns, playing poker, shooting pool, playing softball, watching football, spending time with his grandchildren, attending family gatherings, pitching horseshoes, crossword puzzles, and feeding the wildlife including all types of birds and squirrels. Etzel was a loyal friend, brother, uncle, grandfather and father, always ready to help others in any way he could and never said no to someone in need.
Etzel was an avid hunter and loved being outdoors. He could always be found "piddling" in his workshop or his yard.
He was preceded in death by five sisters, Hazel Darling, Doris Darling, Thelma Martin Massey, Ruth Marie Darling Semans, Myrtle Darling Wilkins; and two brothers, Bernard Darling and Donald Darling; and his beloved dog, Stormy.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Gwendolyn "Wendy" Escalante and husband Alberto of Clermont, FL and Elizabeth "Betsy" Chaney and husband Josh of Camden-Wyoming; grandsons, Noah Michael Chaney and Jacob Russell Chaney of Camden-Wyoming; one sister, Frances D. Moore (Herb) of Viola; longtime companion, Sandra Furr of Woodside; and numerous nieces and nephews.
To honor his wishes, a casual and informal celebration of life will be held January 7, 2023 at 2 p.m. around the horseshoe pits at Etzel's residence.. After the service friends and family will gather to celebrate Etzel's life at the Felton Fire Hall.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice at delawarehospice.org.
Letters of condolences may be sent to www.traderfh.com