Official Obituary of
Paul "Tom" Darnell
September 28, 1946 ~ December 24, 2018 (age 72) 72 Years Old
Paul Darnell Obituary
Dr. Paul Thomas Darnell, 72, born September 28, 1946 at Lebanon, MO to Dal and Glyda Darnell, passed away on December 24, 2018 after a well fought battle with cancer. "Tom" was preceded in death by an infant daughter Paula, brother Jim age 25, and parents. Tom is survived by his wife Patricia of the home and dog Penny, brother Charles (Bud) Darnell & (Annette) of Lebanon, MO. Also surviving are daughters Stacy Simpson (Brooks) of Iowa City, IA, Kelly Miller & (Chris) of Springfield, MO, and Jill Rowles, Anaconda, MT, grandchildren Ryan and Jodi Simpson, Iowa City, IA, Katelyn Simpson, Iowa City, IA, Clayton Hester, MacDill Airforce Base, FL, Tricia Hester, Springfield, MO, and Haley Davis, Anaconda, MT, along with many nephews, nieces, and numerous friends.
Tom's brother once remarked - "his hobbies were too numerous to mention and was cheaper to list what he had not done." Tom graduated in 1968 from S.W. Missouri State University with a degree in Accounting. Due to the Vietnam War, while awaiting the draft, teachers were desperately needed. He began his teaching career with 6th graders at Joe E. Barber Elementary School, Lebanon, MO. He then continued his education with a Masters of Special Education and doctorate at the University of Missouri. From teaching to principal and on to superintendent at age 32, he spent 43 years devoted to education.
Tom's adventures were many and he was always up for a new challenge, whether hobby or life career change. After retiring from education over 40 years in Missouri, the beauty of Montana called him to explore new surroundings. He fell in love at first sight and considered himself a true Montanan.
Tom's greatest love were the Anaconda Copperheads -never missing an event from basketball, wrestling, football, volleyball and all extra-curricular activities. He was a true Copperhead fan. Aside from the Copperheads, Tom loved the St. Louis Cardinals and had much team memorabilia.
Springtime in the Pintlers meant ready to head to the mountains for camping and side by side hikes with his best friends, Steve, Tami, Zane, Vicki, Leo and Karen. Campfires were embellished with grand stories and tall tales. Fall brought on bow and gun hunting, followed by skiing at his favorite place, Ski Discovery, and snowmobiling. Winter evenings were shared at the Marcus Daly with Hassan & Fay Najjar, Ray & Cindy Reed, Rick & Karla Valentini, and Bob & Connie Daniels. A ride in the Pintler Mountains with good friends Ed Sullivan or Steve Puyear was a loved event. There were no better neighbors to him, than Mark & Christi Connolly and their son Nathan. He enjoyed his drives and talks with Pastor Scott.
Tom was beloved by so many and touched the hearts of all he met. As a true Montanan, love of the mountains calls Tom for his ashes to ever rest among the Pintlers.
The family will greet friends at Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Services will be held at Grace Baptist Church, 501 Cedar St., on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church.
107 Oak St.
Anaconda, MT 59711
501 Cedar Street
Anaconda, MT
501 Cedar Street
Anaconda, MT
Tom's brother once remarked - "his hobbies were too numerous to mention and was cheaper to list what he had not done." Tom graduated in 1968 from S.W. Missouri State University with a degree in Accounting. Due to the Vietnam War, while awaiting the draft, teachers were desperately needed. He began his teaching career with 6th graders at Joe E. Barber Elementary School, Lebanon, MO. He then continued his education with a Masters of Special Education and doctorate at the University of Missouri. From teaching to principal and on to superintendent at age 32, he spent 43 years devoted to education.
Tom's adventures were many and he was always up for a new challenge, whether hobby or life career change. After retiring from education over 40 years in Missouri, the beauty of Montana called him to explore new surroundings. He fell in love at first sight and considered himself a true Montanan.
Tom's greatest love were the Anaconda Copperheads -never missing an event from basketball, wrestling, football, volleyball and all extra-curricular activities. He was a true Copperhead fan. Aside from the Copperheads, Tom loved the St. Louis Cardinals and had much team memorabilia.
Springtime in the Pintlers meant ready to head to the mountains for camping and side by side hikes with his best friends, Steve, Tami, Zane, Vicki, Leo and Karen. Campfires were embellished with grand stories and tall tales. Fall brought on bow and gun hunting, followed by skiing at his favorite place, Ski Discovery, and snowmobiling. Winter evenings were shared at the Marcus Daly with Hassan & Fay Najjar, Ray & Cindy Reed, Rick & Karla Valentini, and Bob & Connie Daniels. A ride in the Pintler Mountains with good friends Ed Sullivan or Steve Puyear was a loved event. There were no better neighbors to him, than Mark & Christi Connolly and their son Nathan. He enjoyed his drives and talks with Pastor Scott.
Tom was beloved by so many and touched the hearts of all he met. As a true Montanan, love of the mountains calls Tom for his ashes to ever rest among the Pintlers.
The family will greet friends at Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Services will be held at Grace Baptist Church, 501 Cedar St., on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church.
Visitation
JAN 1. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (MST)
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home107 Oak St.
Anaconda, MT 59711
Visitation
JAN 2. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (MST)
Grace Baptist Church501 Cedar Street
Anaconda, MT
Celebration of Life
JAN 2. 11:00 AM (MST)
Grace Baptist Church501 Cedar Street
Anaconda, MT
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