Chester A. Darnell

Chester A. “Checker” Darnell, 81, of Equality, passed away at the Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado on Thursday, December 10, 2015, 11:02 a.m.  He was born on January 12, 1934 in Uniontown, Ky., the son of Phillip and Catherine L. (Alvey) Darnell.  Checker married Velma “Sis” Victoria Boulds on April 14, 1952. Sis preceded him in death on March 16, 2012.  He was retired from US Steel, a member of the Calvary’s Promise Church near Shawneetown and a member of the Ridgway Masonic Lodge #816.  Checker is survived by his three sons, Roger D. and Sandy Darnell of Equality, Michael L. and Tina Darnell of Rensselaer, Ind., Randell E. and Sharon Darnell of Chesterton, Ind.; three brothers, Charles W. Sparks of East St. Louis, David Wayne and Carol Darnell of Wheatfield, Ind., Carl P. and Carol Darnell of Sebree, Ky.; sister-in-law, Doris “Tiny” and Gene Dodd of Shawneetown;  eight grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Ruth Ann Boatner; three brothers, Ronnie John Darnell, Beltran Darnell and James D. Sparks.  Visitation for Checker will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown with Masonic Rites at 7 p.m.  Funeral service will be on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Dennis King and Rev. James R. Hubbard officiating.  Burial will be at Hogan Cemetery near Shawneetown.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Calvary’s Promise Church.