Edward B. Darnell

OREGON - Edward B. Darnell, age 80, passed away on Friday, Nov. 26, 2010, at Meriter Hospital in Madison. He was born on Feb. 6, 1930, in Chicago, the son of the late C.Y. and Emily Jane Darnell. When he was five years old, Edwards mother Emily passed away. Edward was raised by his father and step-mother, Vera. He served with the U.S. Navy and was proud of his lifes lessons learned in the service. On June 30, 1951, Edward married the love of his life, Jean Benson at Bashford United Methodist Church in Madison. He worked as a painter with the UW-Madison for over 35 years, retiring in 1985. After his retirement, Edward fulfilled a life-long dream of learning to fly and purchasing his own airplane. He had a variety of interests including gardening, love of the outdoors, hunting, and fishing but enjoyed most of all the time he spent with his family. Edward was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Shea Forbes. In addition to Jean, his wife of nearly 60 years, survivors include his children, James (Michelle) of Naperville, Ill.., Debra (Thomas) Forbes of Barneveld, Vicki (John) Metzger of Brooklyn, Linda (Bill) Hittesdorf of Barneveld and June Daws of Oregon; his brother, Roy C. (Nancy) of Portage; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and many friends. Private family services will be held at a later date. Visitation will be at the GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St., Oregon from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010. Visitation: Visitation will be at the GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St., Oregon from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010. Service: Private family services will be held at a later date.