12/05/2024
Richard “Dick” Allen Darnell, 79, passed away on December 5, 2024, in Knoxville, Iowa.
A celebration of life gathering will take place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville.
Dick was born on March 11, 1945, in Knoxville to Barney and Goldie (Worley) Darnell.
He graduated from Knoxville High School with the Class of 1963. Shortly after graduation Dick started Darnell’s DX Service on Main Street in Knoxville.
In 1966, Dick married his high school sweetheart, Carme Robuck. They went on to have two daughters, Linda and Suzie. They lived their entire lives in Knoxville, working side by side, for better or for worse.
For over 40 years countless cars made their way into Dick’s shop for fuel or service work. He also operated a wrecker service for many years in town.
Dick enjoyed the nice weather on the golf course and played as often as he could. If it wasn’t golfing season, he loved bowling. He had a personalized seat at the Legion for many years, where he would play cards, pitch horseshoes, and have a few drinks. Dick was also a licensed pilot.
Anyone who knew him could attest to his dry sense of humor and “tell it like it is” attitude. Dick was always good for a laugh and knew how to have a good time. He will be missed by the many people who have had the pleasure of knowing him over the years.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carme; daughters, Linda Loscher and Suzie (Sarah Hick) Darnell; grandchildren: Kaden Loscher, Grace (Ben) Wallace, Lucy Darnell, and Ben Darnell; and his siblings: Linda (Jack) Hollingshead, Donald (Rebecca) Darnell, and Dixie (John) Schlepphorst.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his younger brother, Jim Darnell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dick’s name may be directed to the Marion County Humane Society