Darnel Layne Clyma

Born on April 29, 1935, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Grady and Edna Clyma, he grew up to become a man deeply loved by everyone fortunate enough to know him. Those who knew him best remember a man who took genuine delight in the happiness of others, with a quiet gift for seeing potential in people before they saw it in themselves — encouraging them, often gently and without fanfare, toward the best version of themselves.

Darnel graduated from Argentine High School and built a career as a Commercial Photographer in the greater Kansas City area. A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy, stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La from June 16, 1955, to April 16, 1959. His love of the outdoors — hunting, fishing, tennis, and golf — stayed with him throughout his life, a thread connecting the boy who ran wild on his grandparents' Arkansas farm to the man he became.

He was married to Darlene (Pokaluk) on February 16, 1962, and together they raised two daughters, Cassie (Kline) and Lori (Lewis), and became grandpa to Iain, Matthew, Nessa, Vickie, Sarah, Killian, Morgan, and Bevan. Darlene preceded him in death on February 21, 1987. On July 14, 2001, Darnel married Cheryl (Vogel), the great love of his life, and joyfully became stepfather to Shelley (Becker) and Rick (Vogel) and grandpa to Zane, Aleena, Delaney, Alexis, and Mia.

Being a father was among his greatest joys. He had looked forward to it, embraced it fully, and never stopped being proud of the family he helped build.

Darnel is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl; his daughters, Cassie and Lori; his stepchildren, Shelley and Rick; his grandchildren, Iain, Matthew, Nessa, Vickie, Sarah, Killian, Morgan, Bevan, Zane, Aleena, Delaney, Alexis, and Mia; his siblings, Gene, Alona, Les, and Garry; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Edna; his first wife, Darlene; his sister Marion; and two nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 9:30 AM at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel, 509 S. Noland Road, Independence, Missouri, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 AM. Darnel will then be laid to rest with full military honors at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 20109 Business Hwy 13, Higginsville, MO, with a hard start at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice Services at goodshepherdhospice.com/donations.