W. Thomas Darnell

W. Thomas Darnell went home to the Lord on November 3, 2018. Tom was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia on August 29, 1931, the son of William Lee Darnell and Edythe Scott Darnell. He was preceded in death by both parents and his older brother, William H. Darnell. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Barbara, and their three children: Susan Darnell Rector (Neil) of Columbus; Mark Thomas Darnell (Theresa) of Lancaster; and Linda Darnell Burkhardt (Edwin) of Federal Way, WA; and their three grandchildren: Steven Darnell, Joan Darnell, and James Darnell. Tom was a graduate of Virginia Tech in 1953, where he was the president of Tau Beta Pi. He went to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison where he received his Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering. He was a member of Alpha Chi Sigma fraternity. He then served in the U.S. Army Ordinance Corps at Aberdeen Proving Ground as a 1st Lieutenant at the Ballistic Research Laboratory. After his service he began his 35 year career with the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Delaware and Parkersburg, West Virginia. Tom and Barbara Moved to Lancaster in 1997 where both were active in the First Presbyterian Church. Tom was an elder and served as co-chair of the Pastoral Nominating Committee and the chairman of the Personnel Committee. He was active as a Lancaster school volunteer for 17 years. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and proud Eagle Scout. Burial has already taken place in Harrisonburg, but there will be a Memorial Service for Tom on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 220 North Broad St.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Compassion International, www.compassion.com, or to First Presbyterian Church Operation Christmas Child.