Matthew John Darling

Matthew John Darling, 45, of Coshocton passed away Sunday, July 14, 2019 from a drug overdose.

Matt was born in Coshocton on January 11, 1974. He graduated from River View High School in the class of 1992. After high school he joined the Marines, had basic training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He graduated with honors in marksmanship.

He was the son of Marty (Hughes) and John Darling of Coshocton; sister Michele (Bud) Dallas of Mt. Vernon; nephew Taylor Dallas; niece Kailtin Dallas Lyon; great niece Blaire Quillen; aunts Penny (Phil) Krebs, Kelly (Dan) Shrimplin and uncle Gary (Shelly) Darling.

Matt is preceded in death by his father, John Darling.

He was an avid lover of animals.  He had many dogs in his life, and last week a little doe came up to him, three evenings in a row, and he was able to pet and love.  He had a special way with animals.  He was a friend to many and loved to laugh and joke around.  Matt had a continuous smile, a beautiful soul and he loved life.  Sadly, he will now become another statistic because of the heroin epidemic. He tried many times going to rehab and would come out sober but once it gets ahold of you, its hard to get away from.  Matt’s family truly loved him and tried to support him as he struggled with his addiction.  He fiercely fought it for many years.  All he wanted was a normal life, free from the chains of addiction.  Sadly, some people don’t understand that addicts have souls too and they struggle every day.  So, if you know someone who is struggling with addiction, please pray for them.

A memorial service will be held at Prairie Chapel Church, 45494 Co Rd 23, Coshocton, OH 43812 on Friday, July 19, 2019 at 1:00pm with Pastor Dail Parrish officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. Burial will follow at Prairie Chapel Cemetery.