Ronnie Darnell, of Princeton, went to be with his Heavenly Father on September 23, 2025, at the age of 74. Ronnie was born on September 22, 1951, to the late Garland and Delores Cunningham Darnell.
He graduated from Caldwell County High School in 1969, affectionately known as “the 69-ers”. He frequently checked on his classmates and looked forward to the monthly reunion lunches. He relished the company of his classmates and friends. He later joined the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam Conflict as an air traffic controller, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division, 1st Aviation Brigade. After leaving the military, he enjoyed a career with South Central Bell, BellSouth and AT&T. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Communication Workers of America and the National Rifle Association. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed working in his yard. He had a special bond with his grandson, where you found them frequently working on their trucks together.
Ronnie was a man of strong Christian faith that was apparent in his smile and positive outlook. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church. He never met a stranger and always made time for his daughter, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighborhood children, and whoever needed a little extra attention and love.
Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ladonna Curling Darnell; one daughter, Tonya (Anthony) McGowan of Princeton; two grandchildren, Ladonna Brooks (Robert) Johannemann of Owensboro and Aidan Darnell McGowan of Princeton; one great-grandchild, Ryatt Brooks Johannemann; brothers, David Anthony (Sherrie) Darnell of Madisonville, William Kent (Suzanne) Darnell of Princeton and several nieces and nephews and his loving canine companion Bud.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his older brother, Jerry Randall Darnell.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Morgan’s Funeral Home in Princeton, KY, with Bro. Dane Hodges and Bro. Kyle Noffsinger officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Morgan’s Funeral Home.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Ronnie’s memory to Wounded Warriors, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675, Southside Baptist Church, 205 Nichols St., Princeton, KY 42445, and Caldwell County Animal Shelte,r 489 Baker Hill Rd, Princeton, KY 42445
