Obituary of Mike Darnell
James Michael Darnell was born on May 16, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the second eldest of four children born to Howard Darnell and Ann (Copeland) Darnell. He graduated from Taylor Central High School with the Class of 1969 where he lettered in baseball and basketball. He continued his education at Central Michigan University.
Mike was a proud member of United Auto Workers Local 600 and provided for his family with his employment at Ford Motor Company. He was an exceptionally hard worker, putting in forty-six years of dedicated service before retiring in 2017. During his tenure at Ford, he was blessed to have met his fiancé, Pamela Cranford. The couple enjoyed more than twenty years of companionship.
A sports fanatic, Mike cheered on the University of Michigan, Detroit Lions, and the former Oakland Raiders football teams. He was also a Detroit Red Wings hockey fan. Mike earned many trophies playing slow pitch softball for Ford. Always conscience of his health, he was an avid weightlifter. Mike also enjoyed the great outdoors. He always paused to appreciate the true greatness of the sun slipping beneath the horizon. An avid fisherman, Mike took many trips to Canada and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to cast a line alongside his brother, Randy. He was often the man behind the grill or frying up the catch of the day.
A PC gamer, Mike challenged himself to the games Doom, Duke Nukem, Quake, and Half-Life. He enjoyed classic rock music and attended many concerts, including his favorite bands: Black Sabbath, Rush, and Metallica. Mike was a night-owl who often passed the hours until sunrise by tuning into Sci-Fi flicks and Clint Eastwood Western movies. A devoted father, he loved spending time with his children more than anything else. Mike never missed any of their activities, ever present with his camera in hand, ready to record the moment. Very talkative, Mike considered no one a stranger. He was a straight shooter who never left you wondering what was on his mind.
James Michael Darnell, age 72, of Carleton, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday; May 4, 2024. His passing was preceded by his parents: Howard and Ann Darnell.
To cherish his memory, he leaves three children: Mike Darnell (Christina Leibenguth) of Monroe, Jenny Darnell of Brownstown, Michigan, and Cody Darnell (fiancé Mariah Cotton-Brooks) of Flat Rock, Michigan; his beloved granddaughter: Elliana Darnell; his fiancé: Pamela Cranford of Carleton, Michigan; a sister: Cynthia Darnell of Benton, Kentucky; two brothers: Randy (Judith) Darnell of Brownstown and Stephen Darnell of Benton, Kentucky; many nieces and nephews; and a former spouse: Cherie Fraser, the mother of his children.
Friends may gather on Thursday; May 16, 2024, from 1:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will begin at 6:00pm also at Merkle’s. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.