|
 Darren, an Española native, was killed in an airplane crash in Neirheim, West Germany. He was serving as an attack helicopter platoon leader with C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry.
Darren was survived by his wife Cathy; his mother Mrs. Joy Kyzer; his father John Murphy; a sister Kyla; a brother Shane; grandparents Frank and Sadie Donathan of Anahuac, Texas; Daisy Austin and Eva Murphy of Albuquerque; aunts Barbara Williams of Tucson, Arizona and Patty Budagher of Peña Blanca; uncles Mike Donathan of Albuquerque and Billy Murphy of Farmington; and many other relatives.
In 1982, Darren enlisted in the Army Reserve. In 1985, he received his commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the aviation branch. He attended the aviation officer basic course and aircraft qualification course at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. He was then assigned to the 6th Cavalry. In his career, Darren was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Commendation Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Army Service Ribbon. On Oct 20th, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal posthumously.
Funeral services were 26 Oct 1989 in Berardinelli Mortuary Chapel in Santa Fe.
Burial followed in the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors.
|
