Funeral services for Merl Darnell (Doc), age 95 of Freeport, Texas will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 19, at Lakewood Funeral Chapel with Pastor Gigee of Christ Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will be held at Restwood Cemetery, with visitation being held from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Doc graduated from Stephen F. Austin Demonstration School in Nacogdoches Texas, and moved to Velasco to work at Dow as an Operating Engineer in 1948, retiring in 1997. During his career he was sent by Dow overseas to England and Columbia to help start up Polyethylene Plants.

Active in civic organizations, Doc served as President of the Freeport Jaycees, a member of the Freeport Lions Club, and the Freeport League. He was a member of the Velasco Masonic Lodge for over 70 years. As one of the original members of the RC Modelers Club, he flew model airplanes for over 60 years He was an avid water skier, hunter, fisherman, gardener and grill master.

Doc passed away peacefully of natural causes August 10, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Mary Sue Loveless Darnell; children, Dean Darnell of Freeport and Linda Darnell Browning of Abilene, Texas; nephews Randy Sitton of Baltimore, Maryland and Ray Sitton of Nacogdoches, Texas. He is preceded by parents, Floyd and Bonnie Darnell; and his brother, Windom Jake Sitton.

Our family extends heartfelt thanks to Lakewood Chapel, pallbearers from the Velasco Masonic Lodge, IPH hospice nurses and aides, family and friends who have reached out for all your help and support.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Brazoria County Modelers Association, contact Courtney Grill at 254 424-7888.