J.D. Darnell

Jewell “J.D.” Darnell, 83, of Pryor, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at his home with family by his side. He was born on July 31, 1938 in Vinita, Oklahoma; the son of Jewell and Elsie (Bristow) Darnell. He married the love of his life, Rowena A. Jones on June 29, 1957 in Vinita, Oklahoma and together have celebrated 64 years of marriage. He had a strong faith and was a member of the First Freewill Baptist Church in Pryor. J.D. worked as an Electrical Supervisor for REC and retired after 39.5 years. He loved to spend time outdoors, especially when he was able to go hunting and fishing. J.D. also looked forward to watching dirt track racing and going to watch his sons and grandsons play sports. He was a wonderful Christian man who leaves behind many memories for his family to cherish.

Private family services will be held at Graham Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, April 3, 2022, at Shipman’s Funeral Home. The family wishes to send a special thank you for the care and compassion from ViaLife Hospice and to the nurses Kara, Kayla, and Nancy. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.

J.D. is survived by his wife, Rowena Darnell of the home; sons, Rodney Darnell and wife Kendra of Pryor, Oklahoma and Marty Darnell and wife Cindy of Chouteau, Oklahoma; 4 grandchildren; Dustin Darnell of Cortland, New York, Darrin Darnell and wife Celsey of Bixby, Oklahoma, Tanner Darnell and wife Haylee of Pryor, Oklahoma, and Conner Darnell of Columbia, Missouri; 4 great grandchildren; Brylee, Brody, Emery, and Dawson Darnell; sisters, Shirley Gaut of Vinita, Oklahoma and Anita Hoover of Coarsegold, California; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jewell and Elsie Darnell; sisters, Juanita and Oleta; in – laws, Lizzie Jones – Renfrow, Hubert Jones, and Edgar Renfrow.