The Herald Democrat
February 11, 2011 

Ellen "E.J." Darnell, age 91 of Whitesboro, passed away Feb. 9, 2011 in Van Alstyne.
She was born on May 24, 1919 in Soper, Okla. to Freddie and Millie (Weir) Turpen. She moved to the Texas area (Delaware Bend) at an early age. Ellen married Garrett Darnell on May 11, 1938 in Whitesboro, who preceded her in death on October 22, 1972. After marriage, she moved to Whitesboro and raised all of her children there.
E.J. spent many years caring for the elderly at Whitesboro Nursing Home. She loved to fish, go to garage sales, cook, crochet and visit with her family. She was a member of the Pentecostal faith. She received wonderful care at the Meadowbrook Care Center in Van Alstyne.
She is survived by two daughters, Linda Patterson of Allen and Macel Culifer of Anna; five sons, Gary Darnell, Robert Darnell and wife, Nancy, John Darnell and wife, Linda, Gene Darnell and Lyndell Darnell and wife, Georgia, all of Whitesboro; nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Bill Shannon and wife, Phyllis of Gainesville. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and seven brothers and sisters.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro with Bro. Patterson officiating. The family will receive friends at the cemetery immediately following the service. 

Gary Neil Darnell, 77, of Whitesboro, Texas, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Meadowbrook Nursing Home in Van Alstyne, Texas.  Gary was born October 20 ,1943 in Whitesboro, Texas, son of Garrett and Ellen Darnell.
Gary worked for the City of Whitesboro where he retired after 35 years. He loved yard work, and spending time with his family. Gary never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him.
Left ot cherish his memory are sisters, Linda Patterson of Allen, Texas, and Macel Culifer of Anna, Texas; brothers, Robert Darnell and wife, Nancy, of Whitesboro, Texas; John Darnell and wife, Linda, of Bells, Texas; and Lyndell Darnell and wife, Georgia, of Whitesboro, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gene Darnell.
Graveside services were held Monday morning, July 26, 2021 at Oak Wood Cemetery in Whitesboro, Texas.