Charles Frances Darnell

After a long and happy life, Charles F. “Buck” Darnell passed away on May 15, 2011. Buck was born August 5, 1916, in Benton, Kentucky…a place he considered to be one of the most wonderful spots in the world…second only to the golf course at The San Angelo Country Club.

After attending Texas Tech University, he joined the Navy in 1939 and became a Midshipman and Line Officer…In his career as a Naval officer, he served for two years as Ensign of the destroyer, Ellet, in the Pacific…and was active in all the major battles of WWII including Guadalcanal, Coral Sea, Solomon Island, Midway and as escort for the Dolittle raid during its initial strike on Japan.

After serving in the Pacific, he trained as a Naval aviator and was appointed the Commander of the Fleet Air Detachment Dutch Harbor. While there, he was in charge of relocating refugees from Germany to various places in the United States and other Atlantic countries…an assignment he considered very meaningful and rewarding…

His long and illustrious career as a naval officer also included serving as Operations Officer during the Berlin Air Lift as well as executive officer at New York Naval Air Station, and the air stations in Olathe, Kansas and New Orleans, LA.

Before retiring from the Navy in 1963, Buck’s last tour of duty was as Commanding Officer of reserve Training Centers in San Angelo, Midland and Odessa as well as Goodfellow AFB Navy detachment.

Buck is survived by his wife, Louise…daughter, Cynthia Eckhardt …grandsons, Garrett Mayer, and Braden Mayer and granddaughter, Jaye Williams. His other close family members include Louise’s daughters, Cynthia Clarke and Genevieve Hoelscher and son, Tom Clarke, as well as their children and grandchildren.

He was eagerly looking forward to the birth of his first great grandchild in July…

A Celebration of Life will be held at the San Angelo Country Club.

Family and friends may sign the on line register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Operation Finally Home in San Angelo. Contact 325-949-0190 or www.operationfinallyhomesanangelo.com