Lawrence Eugene Darst's Obituary
Lawrence Eugene Darst, known to those who loved him as Larry, passed away peacefully at home on April 21, 2025, at the age of 74. He lived in Irving, Texas.
Larry was born on March 16, 1951, in Columbus, Ohio, to Eugene Darst and Frances Jester. He was a proud 1973 graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and later completed the prestigious Executive Leadership Program at the Kellogg Graduate School of Business (Northwestern University).
On July 12, 1997, Larry married the love of his life and perfect match, Chris Coolidge, in Dallas, Texas. They were happily married for 28 years, sharing a deep, joyful partnership filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
Throughout his distinguished career, Larry built a reputation as a trusted advisor, respected leader, and accomplished executive. He began his professional journey at Ernst & Young, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become the youngest individual to make Partner in company history. During his 22 years with the firm, Larry served in multiple leadership roles, including Associate Regional Director of Accounting and Auditing and Regional Director of Human Resources, offering strategic counsel to Fortune 500 companies and overseeing critical international and domestic initiatives. Professionally, Larry had the Midas touch — his instinct for business, people, and opportunity consistently led to growth, success, and lasting impact.
After his time at Ernst & Young, Larry went on to hold several high-profile executive roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Home Care Supply, Inc. and Chief Financial Officer at Chronic Care Solutions, Inc., helping to lead both companies through significant growth, acquisitions, and ultimately successful sales to major industry players.
In his later career, Larry was actively involved in the private equity space, serving as a Board Member and Chairman of the Audit Committee for several companies, including MedExpress Urgent Care, Advanced Pain Management, and U.S. Water Services. He also served on the Board of USMD Health System, where he was Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Special Committee tasked with successfully leading the sale of the Company.
Larry retired in 2009, after decades of professional excellence. In retirement, he and Chris made the most of every moment — traveling the world, attending golf tournaments, and checking things off their bucket list together, side by side.
Above all, Larry’s greatest source of pride was his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his devoted wife, Chris Darst of Irving, Texas; his children Jason Darst of McKinney, Kristin Reeves and husband Chris of Plano, Courtney Dunnam and husband Chris of Frisco, and Jackie Harris and husband Tim of Fort Worth. He was a proud grandfather to Charlotte Dunnam, Christian Reeves, CJ Dunnam, and Alex Secoy.
He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie David and husband Gerald of Aurora, Colorado; his brother Tony Darst and wife Patti of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; his niece Elizabeth Soulakis and husband Andrew of Aurora, Colorado; niece Sarah Darst; nephew Graham Darst of Baton Rouge; and many other cherished family members and dear friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Gene Darst and Frances Jester, and his father-in-law, Glenn Coolidge.
Larry’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched — through his professional accomplishments, his generosity and humor, his fierce love for his family, and the many adventures shared with those closest to him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. Inurnment will follow at the Whispering Waters Mausoleum for immediate family.
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