Joe Edward Darnall

Joe Edward Darnall, 94, of Russell Springs, KS, died Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, at Citizens Medical Center in Colby, KS. He was born November 23, 1930, in Larned, KS, to Edward Foard Darnall and Nellie May (Heaton) Darnall. Together with his parents, he moved to eastern Colorado, where they survived the Dirty Thirties. 

Joe graduated from Arapahoe High School in 1948 where he met the love of his life, Norma McKean. They married on her parents' twenty-second anniversary, Easter Sunday, April 5th, 1953, in Cheyenne Wells, CO. The young couple made their home west of Russell Springs. Shortly after Martha was born, Joe was drafted into the United States Army. Following basic training, the little family served out the remainder of his active duty at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. They returned home to Logan County and over the years the family grew with the addition of Ed, Karen and Debbie. 

Joe supported his kids in all their activities including sports and 4-H. He was civic-minded, serving on the board of directors of many organizations. He was a proud American farmer, rancher, and trucker, with a strong work ethic. He loved his family deeply and was equally loved by them, taking great joy in his grandkids and great-grandkids. 

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; son, Edward Darnall; son-in-law, Danny Finley, and great granddaughter Addie Nickols. He is survived by his wife, Norma; children, Martha (Ken) Brewer, Karen Finley, Debbie (Blake) Potter and daughter-in-law Marla Hamilton; 10 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. 

Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Sunday, December 8th, 2024 at Gateway Fellowship Church in Oakley. The funeral service is 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 9, 2024, at Gateway Fellowship Church in Oakley, with burial in Russell Springs Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Darnall Family and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com