OBITUARY: Dr. Ronald Darnell
Dr. Ronald Darnell, age 84 of Benton, passed away at 7:15 p.m. Aug. 7, 2014, at the Benton Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
He was born on Feb. 7, 1930, in Knights Prairie to the late Carl Felix and Dana (Marquis) Darnell. He married MaryJean Jackson of Harrisburg on June 6, 1954, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 6, 1969. He taught at Harrisburg Junior High School and St. Louis University Dental School. He served as a dentist in Harrisburg for several years and appeared twice on the Ted Mack show in New York City performing skits about dental hygiene. Dr. Darnell was a member of the Harrisburg Rotary, a Past President of Illinois Association of Boards of Health and he formerly served on the Harrisburg School Board.
Dr. Darnell is survived by a daughter, Kellye Whitler of Harrisburg; granddaughter, Karen Henderson and husband, Andy; two great-grandchildren, Avery Henderson, and Addeline Henderson of Harrisburg; twin brother, Donald Darnell and wife Thi of Akin; brother, Phil Darnell of Akin; brother, Jim Darnell of Benton; sister, Edna Williams of Elgin; and several nieces; nephews; and a cousin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, MaryJean; daughter, Tamra Lynn Darnell; brother, Carl Dean Darnell; sister, Lois Mae Long; brother, William Bill Darnell; brother, Mark Alan Darnell; and brother, Jesse Commodore Darnell.
Funeral services for Dr. Ronald Darnell, will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. The Rev. Christine Cunningham will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. The family requests in lieu of flowers a memorial scholarship fund in memory of Ronald, Mary Jean and Tamra Darnell will be established for a SIC music student. Donations may be made to the SIC Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com.