Willie Darnell

Willie "Otis" Darnell, 87, passed away September 3, 2008 in Houston, Tx. after a valiant but heartbreaking struggle with Alzheimer's. He was born on February 4, 1921 in Madisonville, Tx. to Elijah and Lela Darnell and raised in Box Church, Tx. Otis graduated from Groesbeck High School in 1938 in Groesbeck, Tx. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines from 1943 to 1945. During his term, their first son, Larry, was born in Marlin, Tx. After the war, Otis returned to his wife and son in Houston where they welcomed their second son, Darryl. They made their home in Spring Branch, where he lived for over 49 years, and were members of Memorial Church of Christ. He was a proud member of the VFW Post 8790 in Spring Branch. Otis owned and operated, with his parents, Darnell's Supermarket on Tomball Hwy. until 1974. He retired from FMC and later had a short employment with Watson Grinding and Manufacturing. Otis was prededed in death his loving wife, Billie Jean (1988), his parents, sisters, Thelma Burleson and Opal Taylor, and two infant brothers. He is survived by his 2 sons: Larry Darnell and wife, Gerliene, Darryl Darnell and wife, Glenda; 5 grandchildren: Darryl Dwayne Darnell, Donna Zabel and husband, Robert, Stephanie Malik and husband, Matt, Debra Zwernemann and husband, Shannon, Cheryl Nowak and husband, Bruce; 7 great-grandchildren: Morgan and Madison Zabel, Derek and Sadie Zwernemann, Asley Darnell, Jacob Malik, Kason Nowak; numerous nieces and nephews. Otis loved the outdoors and spending time in the country at his weekend place in Groesbeck, Tx. He also enjoyed riding his bike and being with family and loved ones, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Otis was loved by everyone that knew him and was "Papaw" to all. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home, 108 West 11th, Thornton, Tx. Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm, at this location, with Rev. Tracy Sims officiating. Interment will follow in the Thornton Cemetery.