Clifford Dean Darnell

Clifford Dean Darnell, age 92, of Sun City Arizona passed away Saturday, July 28, 2012 in Peoria, Arizona. Clifford was born to Freeman Darnell and Rosette Davis on October 27, 1919. Clifford was raised in Wymore, Nebraska where he attended elementary and high school. Clifford was the youngest of ten children. Bernice May, Charley Sylvester, Jesse Lee, Florence Edith Elsie, Ivan Leroy, Sylvester Franklin, Charles Richard, Pansy, Kenneth, which have since all passed away.

As a young boy, he spent a lot of time fishing. In his spare time he liked to read books when school work was finished and spent time shooting with his 410 shot gun hunting squirrels and rabbits. He graduated from Wymore High School in 1938. He played Full Back, Half Back and several other positions for the Wymore High School Zephyrs since his Freshman year, lettering all four years and served as Senior Class President. Cliff was offered a scholarship to the University of Nebraska to play football but due to finances he couldn't afford it and had already decided to enter the United States Navy.

Clifford saw action during World War II and during the Korean Conflict. Through his dedication and hard work, he achieved the rank of Master Mechanic Chief. He received several awards including Good Conduct Medal (Fifth); WWII Victory Medal; American Area Medal; American Defense Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal; Navy Occupation Medal; European Theater Medal; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon; China Service Medal (Extended); and National Defense Service Medal. After retiring from the Navy he worked for the City of Phoenix Water Treatment Department for 20 years.

He married Betty Jane Davis and they moved to Phoenix in the West Valley. They built a home shortly thereafter were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Cynthia Ann.

Shortly after his retirement from the City of Phoenix, Cliff's wife Betty passed away. A few years later he met Sue and they married and spent several years together later moving to Sun City. His favorite pursuits were reading books, playing pool, listening to music and spending time with his family and friends.

Cliff is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Chad Johnson; his grandchildren Kirt (Lindsey) Johnson, Trevor (Becky) Johnson, Sheena Curiel, Ashley (Donald) Carton, and Colton Johnson; his great grandchildren Logan Curiel, Janae Curiel, Rylee Carton, and Brooklyn Carton; several nieces, nephews and a host of wonderful friends.

A visitation will be at 9 am and funeral service at 10 am, Saturday, August 4, 2012 at Sunland Memorial Park and Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd in Sun City AZ. Interment to follow at Sunland Memorial Park with Military Honors. A catered reception will follow the services for all family and friends at Sunland Mortuary. Arrangements are entrusted to A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary and Sunland Memorial Park and Mortuary.