William Darnell

WILLIAM DARNELL

Funeral services for Bill Darnell, 89, of Gainesville, are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at Hillcrest Church of Christ with David Gray officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM prior to the funeral. The Church will have a meal prepared for friends and family starting at 11:30.

William Mercer Darnell was born April 15th, 1928 to Floyd Ilif Darnell and Myrtis Lola (Burgin) Darnell. He served in the post-war Army for two years before returning to Waynoka to marry his childhood sweetheart Macie Mae Clarke June 4, 1949. Bill and Bob, as they were known to family and friends, remained in love for the next 68 ½ years until Bill departed this life January 27, 2018 in Gainesville Texas.

Bill worked as a Car Inspector for the Santa Fe Railroad for 13 years until the job was abolished. Always someone who looked forward Bill then attended Oklahoma A&M learning radio communications. The family moved several times while he built seniority with the Santa Fe until 1975, when the Gainesville job came open. Bill and Bob chose Gainesville over several other job openings and considered living here the best place they could have chosen. Bill retired from the Railroad in 1991 with 41 years total service.

Bill Darnell was preceded in death by: his parents; sister Janie Geer; sister Mary Francis Darnell; and sister Nora Mae Methvin.

Survivors include: wife of 68 years, Macie Darnell of Gainesville; son Michael Darnell and wife Mickie of Watonga, OK; daughter Janie Coffey and husband Earnest of Oklahoma City, OK; daughter Susan Hart and husband Jim of Allen; granddaughter Ginni Hall and husband Joseph; granddaughter Audra Wallace and husband Brett; granddaughter Victoria Hart; granddaughter Courtney Hart; great-grandchildren: Ty Wilder, Ashlynn Wilder, and Allee Hall; sister-in-law Billie Hanan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillcrest Church of Christ.