Joseph Ross Darnell - Obituary

oseph “Joe” Ross Darnell, Sr., 80, a 28-year resident of Riva, MD, died on December 5, 2008 at the Heritage Harbour Rehabilitation Center following a 2-year battle with prostate cancer. He was born on October 10, 1928 to the late Charles and Mary Darnell of Capitol Heights, MD where he was raised and educated. He was a master plumber for various employers. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an Airman 1st Class and received the National Defense Service and Good Conduct medals. He was a member of the American Legion #226 where he was an officer, Moose Lodge #296, Elks Lodge #2528, Veterans of Foreign Wars #304, Edgewater Senior Center and Peppers in Edgewater. He was also a Disabled American Veterans #3 Life Member. He was honored to place flags on veterans' graves at local cemeteries every Veterans Day and Memorial Day. He also enjoyed wildlife, working in his yard and flowers and meeting friends at the McDonald's in Edgewater. He is survived by Helen Sweeney, his companion of 28 years; his children: Joseph (Jean) R. Darnell, Jr. of Edgewater and Debbie (Roger) Mabe of Chesapeake Beach, MD; a brother, Tommy King of Benedict, MD and two sisters: Thelma Jackman of Lothian, MD and Mary Tyler of Capitol Heights, MD; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was also the brother of the late Charles Darnell and Junior, Bernie and Dora King. Friends are invited to Joe's Life Celebration at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, December 9 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. where services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401. Please sign guestbook using the link above.