Thomas J. Darr

Thomas J. Darr, 92, passed away peacefully Jan. 1, 2025, at the Veterans Administration Hospice Care Facility in Lexington. Known for his joke-telling prowess, Mr. Darr had his family and caregivers laughing until his last days. His final joke? "What did the bear do after the dentist cleaned his teeth? He ate the dentist."
Mr. Darr was born on Feb. 23, 1932, to Tom and Nola Darr in Poole, Ky. He graduated from Poole High School in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard, where he served two years. He then joined the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of Sargeant First Class. He was stationed in Germany and Austria during the Korean War and was a member of the elite Task Force Mountain Ski Unit.
Following his service, Mr. Darr returned to his hometown, where he met and married Lola Chinn. Together, they made their home in Henderson, Ky., and had two children. They were married until her death in 1986.
He was employed by South Central Bell Telephone Co., now AT&T, from 1956 until his retirement in 1991. In 2011, he moved to Lexington to be closer to his daughter. He made his home and many friends at the Highgrove Assisted Living Facility.
Mr. Darr was a proud member of the American Legion Post 40 Honor Guard in Henderson, the Telephone Pioneers, and Immanuel Baptist Temple in Henderson.
He is survived by his daughter, Terri Darr McLean, his son, Tony (Kendra) Darr; four grandchildren, Brad (Kate) McLean, Kayla (Chris) Mulvaney, Alex (Evan) Sharp, and Mackenzie Darr; seven great grandchildren, Elliot, Carter and Aria Mulvaney, Ford and Jack McLean, and Mac and Teddy Sharp.
Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lola Darr; his second wife, Vicki Darr; brothers Shirley and Thornton Darr; and sisters Georgia Wilkerson, Emma Meeks, and Jean Smith.
The family will receive visitors from 4pm to 7pm on FridayJanuary 10, 2025, at Clark Legacy Center, 601 E. Brannon Road, Nicholasville. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Legion Honor Guard in care of Jim Hanley, 8721 Old U.S. 60, Spottsville, Ky., 42458.