Vernon Everett

Darnell

Vernon Everett Darnell, 87, of Blanchard, passed away Friday, February 24, 2017, at his home. Vernon was born December 16, 1929, in Plainville, Illinois to Rufus F. Darnell and Helen (Welte) Darnell. He grew up in Illinois with three sisters and four brothers.

Vernon enlisted in the United States Army and served as a paratrooper in the 11 ^th Airborne Division for three years. During this time, Vernon's friend, Bob Williams, introduced him to Ruby Pendley. Vernon and Ruby fell in love and were married on January 27, 1951, in Duncan, Oklahoma. They moved to Quincy, Illinois before settling in Payson, Illinois, where they raised their four children. Vernon and his daughter, Verna, were baptized in the Methodist Church in Payson on the same day.

Vernon worked for 16 years at Central Pattern in Quincy, Illinois before the family moved back to Oklahoma. After moving to Blanchard, Oklahoma, Vernon went to work for AT&T until his retirement. After retiring, Vernon and Ruby enjoyed making wood crafts together and traveling to Turner Falls with Ruth and Bob Williams, selling their crafts and meeting other people. Vernon and Ruby built and donated part of the nativity that stands beside the Blanchard First United Methodist Church at Christmastime. Vernon loved attending services at the church until his health prevented him from going, but continued to be faithful and pray every night. He loved baseball and especially enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play football, baseball, basketball, and softball. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Joe Len Darnell; two sisters, Eva Overlander and Betty Jean Brown; and three brothers, Rufus, Jerry, and Ray Darnell.

Vernon is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruby Darnell of Blanchard; two daughters, Valerie Barnett and husband, Bill, of Norman, and Verna Bosse of Blanchard; one son, Jimmy Darnell of Anadarko; six grandchildren, Matt Bosse of Edmond, Shaun Bosse of McAlester, Joey Darnell and wife, Mika, of Blanchard, Ricky Darnell and wife, Desiree, of Guymon, Trisha Cole and husband, Caleb, of Norman, and Ashley Barnett of Florida; five great grandchildren, Kyle Bosse, Zack Bosse, Rylie McAlpine, Jersey Cole, and Kelton Darnell; one sister, Viola Cooper of Burlington, Iowa; one brother, Harold Darnell and wife, Sylvia, of St. Louis, Missouri; one brother-in-law, George Brown of Payson, Illinois; and many other loved ones and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM, Thursday, March 2, 2017, at the Blanchard First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Blanchard Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard. Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.