Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Mark Darst Obituary
Sheriff's Depart-ment, passed away peacefully June 1, 2011, due to illness, with friends and family by his side. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, and her children, Natalis, Ricky, and Roland; his mother, Mary Jo Williams; his siblings, Lisa, Ken, David and Lois; along with several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many loving friends. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Darst; and stepfather, Rupert Williams. A memorial service will take place at
10 a.m. Monday June 6, at Incarnation Church. There will be a gathering after. Mark was a very noble and caring man. He will be missed ever so much. "Never Forgotten"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Darst
Teresa Broadnax
May 29, 2025
I met Mark at work. Mark was a very nice, friendly and intelligent man who grew to be a very good friend. We worked on the same squad. I think of him often especially when something happens that reminds me of him. He is missed and always will be. I really loved him as a person and I wish he was still here. He had such wisdom about life . I pray that he is safe in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Love always, always love.
Chris Barrella
March 5, 2012
I attended USF in 1985-86. I don't remember where or how I met Mark but we became friends. I came back to L.I. eventually joining the police force. From time to time, I would google his name, never finding anything. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing
Dee Seahawk
September 7, 2011
I worked at 7-eleven over twenty years ago and Mark always made us feel safe when he drove up to check on us. He was a really caring man. I remember that he would buy candy to give to the kids that he dealt with and he asked me what kind of candy did he think the boys would like versus the girls...very sweet. Many blessings to his family and friends. RIP, Mark.
My Mamasan, Mitsuko, will always have a special place in her heart for Mark. He was good to her.
Patricia Ecker
August 18, 2011
Suzi Robarts
June 18, 2011
Mark, you were always where you were needed most. Always watching as we closed our stores or banks or restaurants!
We always felt safer and tonight I learned of your passing from a fellow Deputy.
I will never forget the last time you stopped by GNC to let us know how you were doing, Now I know why it's been so long since you were in... Rest in Peace my Friend... And God comfort your Family.
Linda Hasbrouck
June 9, 2011
To The Darst Family,
I cannot express how much Mark meant to so many and find it so hard to accept he has left us! I worked as a secretary at D3 and he was always such a bright light when he would pass through the office. I did see him at Moffitt and we talked and I am greatful I had that few minutes of time with him. It's just so hard to accept but I know in my heart he is in a better place!
Patricia Nemier
June 7, 2011
Mark, my mother Judy Gittins and I will surely miss you. You were a true friend. You will be forever in our hearts and in our memories.
Martina Darst
June 6, 2011
Debbie, Lisa, Lois, Ken, David and Mary Jo,
We wish there were words to express our feelings to you at this very sad time in your lives. Just know that we were with you in spirit today at the service and wish we could have been there in person. All of you have a special place in our hearts.
Martina and Bobby Darst
Dennis Bender
June 6, 2011
Mark was a great friend and a great Deputy. Worked with him for years and glad he is in a better place now.
Vivian O'Shea
June 5, 2011
Mark was such a genuine person the kind of person that lit up a room. He would sit in our Bank parking lot to do his paperwork and to watch our office as it was prone to robberies. He was always a phone call away and was always watching out for us. He gave great advice and more than anything cared about others. I am sad this earth has lost Mark. If everyone was just a little bit like him this world would be much better off! I am happy for the angels though..... they are happy to welcome him home!
Tom Baker
June 5, 2011
My first experience with law enforcement and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office was participating in the citizens ride along program. Mark was the deputy I rode with. he was so professional, neat and organized, I was so impressed that I wanted to get more involved. I joined the HCSO auxilliary program, and later went on to become a full time deputy. I always remember Mark, I credit him with the way I handled myself when I was a deputy! I am deeply saddened. He will be very missed I am sure.
Tom Baker
Shannon Johnson
June 5, 2011
I am deeply and profoundly saddened by your death, but really, it is the beginning of your new beautiful life with no pain and suffering. I will miss you so much, I have known you for years and my older son loved you. You were such a good mentor to him. I have been seeing you come in Burger King for your breakfast and the start of your day or perhaps a break in your day. Everytime an officer walks out of my restaurant, I say a prayer for their safety and for God to send them angels to be with them. You are with so many angels now. Someday we will meet again. My prayers are with your family and friends. God Bless you and your family. Shannon
Carmen Medina
June 4, 2011
I am happy Bobby has his friend again.
I will always miss you both.
Love, Carmen Medina
Amy James
June 4, 2011
Mark you will forever be in our hearts. We love you very much and will never forget you. I will keep your family in my prayers everyday.
Teresa Broadnax
June 4, 2011
Mark, First I want everyone to know that you exemplified what a true friend and confidant should be. You were my sounding board and I miss you so much. When you first got sick, I remember coming into roll call looking for you because I knew it would be lonely without you being out there. I don't know if I told you enough how much your friendship meant to me but I tried. I so hate that you have left all of your family and friends too soon but you were loved beyond measure. My friend just know you will never be forgotten. Your wit and intelligence was so amazing. Thank you for being a special part of my life. Soar my Friend, Love Always, DITTO
Steve Roberts
June 4, 2011
Mark, I worked with you for 15 years. You were a good friend and somebody I could always depend on to back me up. I knew that you would be coming my way even though you did not say so on the radio. I owe both you and Rosie for saving me from being shot on that one early Sunday morning. I forever thank you. My wife and I thank you for the Crape Myrtles you let us dig up from your yard. You were a true friend and Road Warrior. I am glad I was able to have the opportunity to work together on the same squad. We can not control the winds that blow, but can only set the sails. You sailed a righteous path my friend, and were always there when we needed you. Rest peacefully, and I will never forget our very last handshake on the 28th. I think we both knew, it was our last. Thank you for 25 years of your service, you will never be forgotten.
Jeremy Wayne
June 4, 2011
Mark, You will be missed, You were a dear friend to us and you will always be in our hearts. When its our turn to come up, we have a game of Sharp Shooters to play.
Love
Jeremy, Tracy and Brandon Wayne
RICHARD SALGADO
June 4, 2011
MARK YOU ARE NOW AT PEACE GOD BLESS YOU YOU WERE A VERY GOOD BROTHER TO ALL.
RICHARD SALGADO
JOANN BARRY
June 4, 2011
WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN...X37 63
Suzanne Pfingsten
June 4, 2011
You were my Courtesy Officer at Forest Place Apartments back in 1990. I appreciate you checking on my elderly parents in Town and Country. I guess I can delete your phone number from my cell phone. You will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers go out to you family. May you rest in peace!
Tammy Dunn
June 4, 2011
There are no words to express the joy Mark brought to so many; there are no words to convey the loss felt with his passing. I know the angels are rejoicing (we all know Mark has Heaven rockin'!). Much Love, TammyKim (TBD)
Leona Duffie
June 4, 2011
Debbie and Family, My heart aches at this time at the loss of Mark. I am so sorry that God had to take him so early. He was a wonderful and funny man and I will never forget him. Love and Prayers to you all. The Duffies, Raymond and Leona.....
Judi Walker
June 4, 2011
Mark you will forever be in our hearts. You made a difference in so many lives and we all love you. No more suffering and the fact you are with our heavenly Father makes us all feel a little better. May God bless all your family & friends that loved you so very much.
June 4, 2011
Ken-
Our thoughts and prayers are for you and the entire Darst famliles.
Tom and Kerry Ratchford
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Mark Darst's name
Memorial Events
for Mark Darst
How to support Mark's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mark Darst's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
