Donald “Richard” Darnell, 88, passed away at Lourdes Hospital on Monday, February 6th at 11:45 p.m. with his loving wife in his presence. He was born on December 31, 1934, in Marshall County, Kentucky, to Virgil and Otha Mae (Gore) Darnell. He was a member of Calvert City Church of Christ. Richard was an avid bowler until his later years, enjoying touring with the PBA early on and bowling on many different leagues. He also loved watching Cincinnati Reds baseball and tennis. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959, attended barber school to become a barber, and retired after several years at Petter Supply in Paducah, Kentucky.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Barbara Dunn Darnell, brothers, Danny Darnell and Brooks Darnell, sisters, Mary Ruth Darnell Taylor and Evelyn Darnell Smith, and one step-daughter, Cindy Parrish.
Surviving loved ones are his wife of 25 years, Inez Ford Darnell, children: son, David Darnell, and wife Tammie of Calvert City, Kentucky; son, Mike Darnell and wife Rhonda of Paducah, Kentucky; daughter, Debby Darnell Boone of Calvert City, Kentucky; stepchildren, Debbie Russell, and husband Steve of Draffenville, Kentucky; Michael Smith of Calvert City, Kentucky; and Dwaine Smith and wife Kathy of Loxahatchee, Florida. Surviving brothers and sister; Eddie Darnell, and wife Sarah of Murray, Kentucky; Ted Darnell, and wife Caroline of Murray, Kentucky; Gene Darnell, and wife Debbie of Florida; Hilda Darnell, and husband Rick of Lakeland, Florida. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren are left behind but not forgotten.
Funeral services will be this Saturday, February 11th at 2:30 p.m. at Collier Funeral Home in Benton, Kentucky. Officiating will be his pastor, Lance Cordle. We welcome all family and friends to join us from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. for visitation with the service to follow. There will be a short intermittent service immediately following the service at the graveside in Mount Kenton Cemetery, Paducah Kentucky.