Robert James Darnell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Traverse City-Robert J. "Bob" Darnell, 53, of Traverse City, formerly of Saginaw, died Friday evening, August 2, 2013, at Munson Medical Center. Born May 26, 1960, in Detroit, he was the son of James Roy and Rosalie (Magyar) Darnell. Bob graduated from St. Stephen Catholic High School in Saginaw, with the class of l978. He was a gifted athlete, who excelled in playing baseball, basketball and football. Bob was honored to have been named to the All Saginaw County Football Team, and most valuable player on his baseball team. After high school, he moved to Leelanau County, the area he loved, and furthered his education by attending Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. He formerly worked for Carpenter Enterprises, Boride Engineered Abrasives and Tower Automotive. Bob's life had very few boundaries and he lived life to enjoy it. He was an absolute free-spirit who befriended everyone, with his nice-guy, fun-loving personality. He is survived by his father, James Roy Darnell; brother, Thomas (Ginny) Darnell; nephew, Thomas J. Darnell, Jr. all, of Saginaw.; aunt, Irene Niles of Traverse City and aunt Peggy Howell of Flushing, dear friends, Bruce and Maureen Loper of Cadillac; beloved Golden Retriever Ty; and many, many special friends. He was preceded in death by his mother; and is now with his best friend, Sam, his pet Golden Retriever. In Celebration of Bob's life, an informal gathering will take place on August 31st at 3:30 p.m. Directions From Tom's Food Market West Bay, Traverse City, follow M72 West10.9 miles Right on County Road 667 / Maple City Rd. 8.8 miles Left on M22 / Harbor Hwy 1.1 miles Right on Co. Rd. 669 / Bohemian Rd. 1.1 miles Left on W. Lake Michigan Rd. follow (Bob) signs to Shelda Creek Memorial contributions may be directed to The Leelanau Land Conservancy or Munson Manor. Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Robert James Darnell

May 26, 1960 - August 2, 2013