Donald E. Darnell

Donald E. Darnell, 81, of Kirkwood, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Seminary Manor, Galesburg, IL.

He was born May 2, 1943, in Macomb, IL the son of George and Eva (Stormer) Darnell. He was raised and educated in Monmouth, IL. He participated in the Agribusiness Program at Carl Sandberg College and the Commercial Bee Production Program at Southwestern College.

Donnie married Sharon A. Williams at the Wesleyan Church in Galesburg on October 31, 1970, and she survives.

He worked as a farm hand most recently for Frank Hennenfent and then on the factory floor for Wells and Admiral before retiring in 2000. 

Donnie enjoyed beekeeping, gardening, and fishing. He was a member of the Kirkwood Masonic Lodge and Monmouth Masonic Lodge #37 A.F. & A.M., as well as the Royal Arch, Grand Council, and Grand Commandery. 

Donnie is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sharon Darnell; his children, Leslie (Tony) Woerly of Monmouth, Lonnie Darnell of Little York, Gerald (Carmen) Williams of Seaton, IL, and Shanda (Robert) Brownlee of Little York, IL; 19 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Sharon Jern of Oquawka, IL, Mary Sue Wells of Monmouth, IL, and Carol Buster of Florida; brothers-in-law, Donnie Smallwood Sr. of Cameron, IL and Stanley Dean Smallwood of East Galesburg, IL; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Michael Darnell; his twin brother, Ronald E Darnell along with brothers, John “JD” Darnell and Rick Darnell.

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Cedar, Kirkwood. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be given to the Donald Darnell Memorial Fund and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.