Willard (Will) E. Darnell
Willard (Will) E. Darnell, 88, of Pearland, TX previously of Columbus and Wellston, OH, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 6th, 2025, He was born on September 18, 1936 to Ezra and Julia Darnell in Sciotoville, OH. Will proudly served his country in the US Army and was stationed in Germany during his enlistment. Will worked with the railroad as a brakeman for 30 years. He attended church at the First Presbyterian Church in Pearland, Tx. Will battled many health issues but always kept a sense of humor and a positive attitude.
Will is preceded in death by his parents Ezra and Julia Darnell; and sisters Carrie Gettles and Jean Matteson; and brother James Darnell.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years Alma (Flo) Darnell, daughters Tami Mercier and Bill, Terri Hill and David; son Bill Reeves and Lindsey; sisters Geneiva (Denny) Sorrell and Barbara (Yonk) Cantrell; grandchildren Erica Saldana and Ricky, Tony (Jenna) Reeves, Kristina Fendt, Chelsea Reeves, Amanda (Matt) Clingman, and Jason Hill; great-grandchildren Taylor, Elias, Connor, Cameron and Samuel; Numerous nieces and nephews, church family and Friends; beloved pets Rustie, Ginger and Yoshi.
There will be a Memorial service Thursday March 20th at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Pearland, TX 2930 Broadway St. Pearland, Texas 77581
Pastor Ed Wolf to officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the First Presbyterian Church Pearland, TX
Lovely memories forever!
I met Mr. Will 2008 and what joy he brought to my life. He was the “Pied Piper” of the neighborhood as he walked and encouraged neighbors to come to church. Although he suffered w/his loss of eyesight he saw people on a deeper level and had a way of showing them he really cared. He had many sayings like-” I’m 3×7 so I can do what I want” or “Why heck no I don’t mind.” He taught me to give thanks to God every day and ended every one of our calls with “God bless ya”. Some people come into your life for just a season and others come in and etch a place on your heart forever. Mr. Will is in my heart forever ! My deepest condolences to Flo and the family. Rest knowing Will sees heaven and can see God everyday. I know he is praising Him with a 1-2-3 Hallelujah !!!!
I will miss my uncle Will so much. I have so many fond memories with him. Road trips to my grandma’s when I was younger. He was so much fun and made me feel like the most special girl around when I was with him. He loved animals as much if not more than people. He was kind , funny and generous. I didn’t get to see him as much when he moved away but that didn’t diminish the love I had for him. I remember as a kid he would show up at my house with a box full of popsicle for all the neighborhood kids. I will miss him and my children will miss him. I know he’s happy though and with my grandma and his sisters and brother. Rest in peace you will never be forgotten.
I have lots of good memories with my great-uncle Will, and all of them involved laughter. He was always cracking jokes or saying something funny and most of all he had a big heart. Uncle Will loved animals and was a gentle soul with an ornery streak. He was always well dressed and loved his cowboy boots. We will all miss spending the summers with him in Ohio, his famous biscuits and gravy and the evening porch sits telling lies.
Love Always
Willard was the best brother to me he bought me my first bicycle and record player he loved his sisters and we loved him. Even after he moved to Texas he still came back home to Ohio every summer for many years and when he could no longer make that trip he still called us almost every week. I am sad he is no longer with us yet I know he’s is now at the feet of Jesus giving praise to his Savior and having a great reunion with our mom and sisters waiting for him. Love you Willie and I will see you soon.
I will add he was ornery and the biggest flirt ever❣️
Barb (sister)
Mr Will, I met him when he was walking the dogs and I was out working on my tractor. He shared stories about his. Must have been 08 or so. We hit it off from there ! He could see pretty well then, always helping out a neighbor when he could.
He invited us to church one day, we took him up on the invite and have worshipped there ever since. He always voluntered when I had choress at the church no matter what the task, what good times we had !
He never really complained much about his health issues overall, he was usually in a good mood too. We talked on the phone often in the evenings sharing about our day.
i truly love him and will miss him, he was my buddy ! He’s ran the race & won the prize !!!
Family, please accept my deepest condoleces.
My con
Oh the love that I have for this man – he was a one of a kind – very similar to a 2nd dad to me. He loved me and my family as if we were his own. I have fond memories of the great fun that we had in the neighborhood, the backporch sits and stories, him giving everyone a hard time, the singing and dancing. When we moved from Texas, it was super sad but we kept in touch. He would love to joke about the 2dogger in Crakersville – telling the kids he would take them there so they could party and dance! Even though his eyesight was fading quickly, he managed to see some and always compliment on outfits or smiling faces. We would help out and stay with them or him when we would come back “home” to Texas, always having such a welcoming, loving home. The hugs and laughter will be greatly missed. He and I would gather the kids in the neighborhood and walk to church – he loved the Lord and would make us laugh with his Hallelujah! Mr. Will – you will be forever missed and loved. Ms Flo, he is finally whole again and dancing in heaven. We love you. XOXO
When I first started my mail route through Stratford, I met ” Hillbilly Will” ask he affectionately wanted me to call him. He offered any contents of his Refrigerator in the garage. I told him I’ll have just the beer for my lunch break.
Then it became my regular 10 minute break time so I’d shoot the breeze with him about our time in the military. He was Army and I was Air Force.
He even asked me to change Abby’s diaper at some point. I remember him walking the dogs around the neighborhood even when everyone knew he was legally blind.
After I retired I’d stopped by sometimes and ask him how he we’d talked about when we wore younger man’s clothes.