Merritt "Babe" Darna

Merritt “Babe” Neel Darna, a member of one of Boca Grande’s legacy families, left us on December 24, 2024, and went to a place where the tarpon are always running and family, friends and laughs are always plentiful.

Babe was born on May 16, 1938 to Alfonso and Edith Darna on the remote barrier island of Cayo Costa, Florida, just across the Pass from Gasparilla Island. He holds the distinction of being the last recorded birth on the island.

Babe’s life was deeply rooted in the rich history and traditions of the Gulf Coast and Charlotte Harbor region. Like many of the other brave families who lived on wild Cayo Costa, Babe, his parents and his brothers, Dick and Stanley, were a close-knit pioneer family. They thrived on fishing and living off the land.

During the week, Babe and other island children were ferried to Boca Grande for school by the school boat. After graduating from Boca Grande High School in 1955, Babe served his country in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Alaska and trained in Morse code, contributing to military communications.

On August 10, 1960, the Darna family relocated to Tarpon Avenue in Boca Grande. Just a month later, Babe and his father

weathered the devastating storm named Hurricane Donna together, an event

vividly remembered by his brother, Stanley.

On August 14, 1967, Babe married Evelyn Wilbur, a beloved member of the Boca Grande community and a former schoolmate. Together, they made a couple that truly stood out in a crowd, with Evelyn’s infectious laugh and Babe’s charismatic smile. They were a vivacious combination, so when Evelyn passed away in June of 2022, a bit of Babe’s spark went with her. Still, he had his children, grandchildren and other family and friends to keep him strong.

Babe dedicated his life to the water. He worked at the marina, became a commercial

fisherman, and later earned a respected reputation as a tarpon guide. Babe is best known for captaining his 1960 Daniels Brothers boat, “Sea Hawk.” He was also a proud member of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association, and is known as one of the great legends of his generation in the waters of Boca Grande Pass and beyond.

Alongside his friends, Jackie and Bobby Sullivan, Babe also co-owned Statewide Pest Control in Boca Grande.

Babe is preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn; his parents, Alfonso Darna and Edith Padilla Darna; and his brother, Louis Alfonso “Dick” Darna.

He is survived by his son, Merritt “Scooter” Darna, Jr.; his daughter, Susanne Dudley (Chris); his grandchildren, Brianna,

Brandon, Colgan, and Levi; his brother, Stanley Darna (Lois); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children.

The Darna family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Englewood Memorial Hospital and

Sarasota Hospice House for their dedicated care of Babe.

Donations may be made in Babe’s memory to Tidewell Hospice - Sarasota.

Family and friends are invited to honor Babe’s life on Friday, Jan. 3. A gathering with family will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 1935 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. A reception honoring Babe’s life will be held at The Temptation Restaurant (Caribbean Room) in downtown Boca Grande from 1 to 3 p.m.

When in the Lord's safe landing net I'm peacefully asleep. That in His mercy, I be judged good enough to keep.