Mr. Robert David Darnell's Obituary
Robert David Darnell, 92, passed away peacefully at the Houston VA Hospital on Friday, December 5, 2014. Robert was born in Abilene on Nov. 13, 1922, to Edward and Lena Darnell. His father passed away at a young age, leaving his mother to raise three children in Abilene. Robert moved to Albuquerque to attend the University of New Mexico, where he lived with his cherished Uncle Dewey and Aunt Margaret. Robert joined the Naval ROTC while at New Mexico then went on to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. He became a Lt. Junior Grade CIC Officer aboard the USS Kinzer. His most notable service came in the Battle of Okinawa.
He returned from the war and married Jerre Hynds in 1946. The couple moved frequently while having three children — David, Sylvia and Patrick — before settling down in Ft. Worth while Robert worked as a regional salesman for Stauffer Chemical. The family then moved to Houston where Robert and Jerre would have their fourth child, Becky, in 1965. Robert went on to work for Landar with dear friend Robert Lanier. The two met while in New Mexico and remained close until Robert Darnell’s passing. In life, Robert spent much of his time golfing and attending parties with his lovely wife. The Darnells were very popular in the Country Place subdivision and Robert enjoyed monthly get-togethers with the Old Codgers. Robert was preceded in death by Jerre, his wife of 67 years, and brother Edward. He is survived by his sister Elizabeth Ticer, four children — David, Sylvia, Patrick and Becky — seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Robert was a loving father and adoring grandfather. He will be missed by all that knew him.
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