Billy Bob Darnell, Sr.

Billy Bob Darnell, Sr. peacefully transitioned into the presence of God on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024, two weeks before his 90th birthday. 

Billy Bob was born in Mayfield, Kentucky in 1934 to the late Ted and Estelle Darnell. At the young age of 20, he was married to the love of his life, Lena York. They spent 53 wonderful years together, nearly half of which he spent as a loving caregiver after Lena suffered a major stroke. Following Lena’s death in 2008, he was blessed to find the love and companionship of his second wife, Jean Coil Darnell, who passed away in March of this year. 

Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Carolyn Taylor; his daughter, Sherry Lynn Case (Roger); his son, Billy Bob Darnell, Jr. (Bobbi); his grandchildren, Haley Ayers Newton (Corbin) and Jacob Rushton Darnell; and countless loving nieces and nephews.

Billy Bob loved to talk about his years working on the Grand Trunk Railroad (1955-1984) and serving his country as a cook in the U.S. Marines (1951-1959). He almost always had a “gentle suggestion for culinary improvement” for the establishment in which he dined and always wanted George Jones playing in the background. His grandchildren were his everything, and he loved teaching them Marine cadence counts in the kitchen and carefully instructing them on how to catch the biggest fish in the lake. 

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, September 14th at Murray Memorial Gardens followed by a reception and luncheon for friends and family at Hardin Baptist Church - The Chapel (218 College Street, Hardin, KY). All family members of the Darnell & York families are more than welcome & encouraged to come and share happy memories together. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hope For The Warriors, which provides comprehensive support programs to veterans and military families. Donations can be made at https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/about/make-a-donation/.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Darnell. Please share your messages of condolence by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.