MAJ Casey Darst

2023, at the age of 40.

Casey was born on February 26th 1983. He grew up in Tumwater, WA, and is a 2001 graduate

of Tumwater High School.

At the age of 18, Casey enlisted in the United States Air Force as a KC-135 In-Flight Refueling

Boom Operator. While serving on multiple post 9/11 deployments, Casey completed his

bachelor's degree, and worked towards his pilot's license in Wichita, KS. Upon his honorable

discharge from active duty, Casey accepted a position with the Alaska Air National Guard,

where he commissioned and became a KC-135 pilot. Casey spent the last 15 years flying and

instructing in KC-135s at Eielson AFB, AK. He flew over 2300 hours as a pilot, including 700

instructor hours, and served over 5600 hours total in the KC-135.

Casey is survived by his mother Dixie Darst-Copeland, step-father Tony Copeland, his sister

Haiden Zelis, niece Carly, nephew Cooper, and his uncles Richard, Leonard, and Hal. Some of

his closest friends, and fellow service members that kept him going include: Alex Ice (Veteran,

USAF), Capt Tracy Pumford, MSgt Keith Rowan, Lt Col Dean Thibodeau, Col Benjamin Doyle,

Lt Col Christopher Greene, Lt Col Jared Stephens, Col Michael Griesbaum, Lt Col Kat Johnson,

and Tom Haley (Veteran, USAF).

Casey lived for flying, but his loved ones will remember him as an adrenaline junkie and will

cherish the time they spent with him riding motorcycles, shooting, and curling at the Fairbanks

Curling Club. Casey loved the outdoors and spent his time fishing, hunting, and hiking in Alaska.

He was incredibly talented at welding, and rebuilding old cars. He had a special place in his

heart for his two dogs, Rossi and Marley, who accompanied him to work and were always by his

side.

A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held for Major Casey Darst on August 25th,

at 2PM at Mills & Mills Memorial Park, a reception will immediately follow at Mills & Mills in Birch

Tree Lane. Arrangements are under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home.