John P. Darnell

John P. Darnell, 83, of Poplar Bluff, died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012 at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff.

Mr. Darnell was born July 3, 1929 in Portageville, Mo. He was of the General Baptist faith, had worked as a mechanic for PAR Electric Company in Farmington, and was medically retired from John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Darnell was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having serving during the Korean Conflict as a Corporal with the 17th Infantry, 8th Army Division. Because of his heroic actions and injuries received, he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Mr. Darnell enjoyed spending time with his family, boating and fishing.

In 1951, he was married to the former Patsy Jean Hendrix. She preceded him in death on March 30, 1961.

Survivors include four children, Tim Darnell and wife, Debra, Sherry Kays and husband, Richard and Beverly Burnell, all of Poplar Bluff, and John Wayne Darnell and wife, Kay, of Valle Mines, Mo.; 6 grandchildren, Stephen Williams, John W. Darnell II and wife, Rachael, Nikie Medling, Jason Longhibler and wife, Jessica, Kristen Kays, Cody Kays, Christopher Darnell and Amanda Rommel and husband Ashley; 10 great-grandchildren, Alyssa Williams, Rebekah Medling, Brian Jordan Freeman, Kayleigh Medling, Kami Medling, Jacob Darnell, Kylie Darnell, Bryson Longhibler, Dalton Rommel and Natalea Rommel; 3 sisters, Rose Dunn and husband, Otis, of Malden, Juanita Gore and husband, Kenneth, of St. Louis, and Dixie Garver, of Edwardsville, Ill.; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Mr. Darnell was also preceded in death by his parents, John P. and Laura Belle (Estes) Darnell, grandchildren, Patsy Williams and Erik Williams, great-grandchildren, Braxton Longhibler and Austin Darnell, and sisters, Dorothy Hester and Marcelene Dunn.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the funeral chapel with his grandson, Pastor John W. Darnell II officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Brown Chapel Cemetery in Broseley.