Stephen Ross Darnall

Stephen Ross Darnall

Sept. 13, 1942 -April 17, 2014

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Stephen Ross Darnall passed away Thursday, April 17, 2014, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. He was 71 years old.

Stephen was born on Sept. 13, 1942, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to parents, David Arthur and Phyllis June (Ross) Darnall. He graduated from Gering High School in 1960. Shortly after graduation, he entered the U.S. Army and remained active in the National Guard until February of 1968, when he was honorably discharged.

On Nov. 22, 1964, he was united in marriage to Sharon "Shari" Shoults in Terrytown, Nebraska. To this union two children, Crystal and Stephen, were born. While living in Melbeta, Nebraska, Stephen worked for the Co-op Oil Refinery in Scottsbluff. In 1978, the family relocated to McCook, where Stephen worked as a pest control operator for Lystad's Pest Control and later he worked as an inspector for the Nebraska Department of Roads until his retirement. Shari passed away on Jan. 9, 1994.

On Nov. 10, 2007 Stephen married Mary Kay Hendrix in McCook. With this union, Kay's two daughters, Sherri and Val, also joined the family. They moved to Monte Vista, Colorado, for a brief time before returning to the McCook community.

Stephen was a member of McCook Eagles. He was an avid pool player, coin and antique model car collector, and loved to hunt. He had a passion for all sports, especially the Oakland Raiders, traveling, and attending auctions. His true delight in life came from spending time with his family, friends and his Maltese, Smokey.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Shari; an infant daughter; three brothers, Lon, Bill and Scott Darnall; and sister-in-law, Carol Darnall.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Darnall of McCook; sister-in-law, Karen Darnall of Gering; son, Stephen Arthur Darnall and wife, Alisa, of Sidney; three daughters, Crystal Darnall and fiancé, Robert Hall, of McCook, Sherri and husband, Miles Schwartz, of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Valerie and husband, Robert Tulley, of Monte Vista, Colorado; grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kassidy Darnall, Anna Michelle Lambert, Jill Mares and Justin Schwartz, Mathew and Meeyah Tulley, and two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his memory to Community Home Health and Hospice, 407 West 5th Street, McCook, NE 69001.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 23, 2014, 1-8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences to the family.

Funeral services will be Thursday, April 24, 2014, 10 a.m. at Norris Avenue Chapel with Pastor Johnny Walker officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Luncheon follows at the church after burial.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.