William O. “Bill” Darnell, age 86, of Marion, died unexpectedly early Tuesday morning, February 17, 2015, at Marion General Hospital following a brief illness.
On September 25, 1928, Bill was born in Marion, Ohio, the oldest of five children of the late Richard and Martha (Foust) Darnell.
Wanting join his countrymen in the fight of World War II, Bill left school early to serve in the US Navy, as a gunner and deep sea diver. He served aboard the USS Storms.
Upon his honorable discharge, Bill returned home to graduate from Morral High School in the class of 1948. Shortly thereafter, he married the young lady he met in the 2nd grade, Mary Irene Sink, on April 6, 1949. They cherished their 65 years of marriage and lovingly raised five daughters.
A machinist, tool maker and journeyman, Bill worked at the Marion Power Shovel for 16 years, Tecumseh Products for 20 years, and lastly at Excello Airfoil Textron in Fostoria for 7 years. He retired in 1993.
A man of faith, Bill was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Marion, where he enjoyed spending time with The Empty Nesters Club.
One of Bill’s true passions in life was playing baseball. He played semi-pro ball when he was younger, and continued to play locally until he was 55 years old. He was a great third baseman. He also loved to bowl, playing in many leagues over the years, and was a big fan of the Cleveland Indians and Browns, and The Ohio State Buckeyes.
With a love for the outdoors, Bill enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. He and Mary also enjoyed vacationing.
One of a kind, Bill loved to be cantankerous and joking around with everyone. Though, he could be as stubborn as an ox, most often he was sweet and loving man.
Most important of all to Bill was his family. He loved to spend time with and wrestle his beloved children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandson.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Irene Darnell; five daughters: Terry Darnell, Patti Darnell, of Marion, Betty “Gus” (Ron) Dunn of Carey, Judy Solomon of Marion, and Susan “Sam” Blevins of Upper Sandusky; four grandchildren: Shannon Dunn, Dakota (Emily) Dunn, Cory Darnell, and Kelly Ellcessor; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; a sister, Pamela (James) Hooper of Harpster; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Brandy Nichole Darnell; a son-in-law, John Blevins; and three siblings: Mary Ellen Darnell, Barb Bolenbaugh, and James Darnell.
His family will greet friends from 4-7 pm on Thursday, February 19th, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will be held at 11 am on Friday, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1725 Marion-Edison Rd., Marion, with Brother Fred Wilkes officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will follow in Chapel Heights Memory Gardens, after a luncheon at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Bill’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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