July 22, 1936 – January 28, 2023

Jerry Lynn Darnell was born in Houston on July 22, 1936, to William Sturgis and Anna Mae Clement Darnell. After his father’s untimely passing, Jerry was raised by his mother and stepfather, Davis Scott (Mack) McClain.

Jerry’s life served as an example of great American work ethic and fortitude. Starting on a local paper route from a very young age, Jerry eventually graduated from Austin High School and went to work at a local gas station. Over the course of his life, he would go on to build several businesses of his own around the Houston and Pasadena areas: gas stations, car washes, and, finally, Clear Sky Pool Care. He “retired” in his early 80s but only due to declining health.

Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of his life was the example of love and devotion to his wife, Judy, over the course of their 35-year partnership. They married in Las Vegas on November 27, 1987, creating a blended family of 8 children from their previous marriages. Jerry was a man of many interests and hobbies. He was a longtime member of Sagemont Church and loved bowling, motocross racing, water skiing, and snow skiing. He was an avid cyclist and competed in the MS150 more than 20 times, even at the age of 77.

Jerry passed away on January 28, 2023, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his father, William Sturgis Darnell, his mother, Anna Mae McClain, his stepfather, Davis Scott (Mack) McClain, his father and mother-in-law, Herbert and Mona Coleman, his sister-in-law, Betty Darnell, and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Lynda and Mac Sticker and Sheila and Claude Ray Berwick.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Darnell of Bryan, brother Charles Darnell of Houston, children Bill Darnell of Crystal Beach, Cindy Roberts and her husband Chuck of Nederland, Brian Darnell of Clear Lake, Ben Darnell and his wife Jane of Rosharon, Kenneth Darnell and his wife Jacqueline of Sugarland, Cheryll Grainger and her husband Allen of Brenham, Paula Koon and her husband Colin of Dallas and Randy Wood of Oklahoma City along with his nephew, Butch Darnell of Logan Utah, his 20 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Jerry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered as a loving, devoted husband, a dedicated father, and a devout Christian who touched the lives of many. May he rest in peace.

The funeral service will be held at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas 77546 on February 7, 2023. Family and friends are welcome to gather for the visitation at 10AM, with the service beginning at 11AM with Rev. Rex Forsyth officiating. The burial will follow the service at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8601 Almeda Genoa Rd., Houston, Texas.

Pallbearers: Josh Darnell, Culen Darnell, Dylan Darnell, Trey Darnell, Mason Howard, and Chuck Roberts.

Honorary Pallbearers: Members of Sagemont Church Sunday School.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Sagemont Church, 11300 S. Sam Houston Pkwy E., Houston, Texas 77089 or to a charity of your choice.