Lee T Darnell

Lee Truman Darnell passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 due to complications of diabetes. He was born on August 18, 1926 in Dresden, TN to Thomas Alvin Darnell Sr. and Beulah Lee (Insco) Darnell. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Ruth (Deets) Darnell, in October 2008; his parents; and brother, Thomas Alvin Darnell, Jr. Lee is survived by his sister, Linda (Darnell) Peterson and her husband Bill of SC; son, David and grandson, Brandon; son Michael Sr. (Faye) and grandson, Michael Jr. (Marley); great grandson, MacKay; granddaughters, Angela and April (Jimmy) Nowak; great grandsons, Alex and Kevin. While in high school in Dresden, Lee worked in an old fashion drug store and after having spent too much time at the soda/shake station, he acquired the nickname (Jeep) short/squat jeep and was so addressed by his closest friends from that time even into adulthood. As many of his generation, Lee served proudly during WWII on LSM 103. His little landing craft ship could only carry three large tanks and was one of the first to land in the occupation of Japan at the conclusion of the war. Lee worked at Amerock Corp in Rockford, IL for 44 years before retiring and moving to Spokane in 1992 to be near his sons. He was an avid gardener and especially enjoyed his flowers and tomatoes until his failing health precluded those activities. Lee was active in his church. He was a deacon and most recently had opened his home for bible study/prayer meetings on Wednesday evenings. Lee also enjoyed going for country drives in his ’63 or ’69 Buicks graciously giving others the pleasure of driving the car. In keeping with his belief in Christ and sharing of his goodness, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Gospel Mission or similarly appropriate organizations. Interment will be held at Fairmount Memorial Park prior to the memorial service that will begin at 11:30AM Monday, March 19, 2012 at the Plymouth Congregational Church 1502 West 8th Ave. in Spokane.