Obituary of Jeff Darnell

Autobiography & Obituary of Jeff Darnell in his own words:

Knock, Knock

Who’s there?

Well, not Jeff….

While sitting on his comfort pad in his garage chair, drink in one hand and a rolled smoke in the other, Jeffrey Darnell watched his last football game.  Best known for his mispronunciation of words, Jeff was happy to offer a smile to all those he met.  He enjoyed discussions about current events (like the salami that hit Thailand), nature (the robin’s egg green of leaves), and a particular disgust for any dish made with the wild game and fish he harvested.

Jeffrey Lee Darnell, born May 29, 1968 in Batavia, IL, passed December 9, 2023 surrounded by all the things he loved: his wife, his daughter, and his dogs.  He lived a full life enjoying his passions until the end.  Jeff often told stories about riding his bicycle to the Plainfield Fishing Resort early in the morning to be the first one at the gate.  This love of fishing carried into his adult life where he fished around the United States and Canada.  He was an avid hunter and thoroughly enjoyed sharing his knowledge with anyone who would listen.  Neighbors were regularly treated to Jeff’s talents of calling ducks into the back yard of his home.  Many of us have benefitted from his teachings on goose and duck calling.  
While Jeff enjoyed a gathering of his friends, he was just as happy to sit on the couch with his dogs.  

 “I packed so many snacks!” 

Jeff is preceded in death by his father and mother, Dennis and Gloria Darnell. He is survived by his wife, Vicky Darnell, and his daughter Stephanie May.

 A Memorial Visitation for Jeffrey Lee Darnell will be Thursday December 14, 2023 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet.

Interment will be private.

For more information, please call  815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.