Dale Boyd Darnell, 87, a native of Porter, OK, died early Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Muskogee, OK at the age of 87 years.

He was born to William Hugh Darnell and Mamie Adeline (Boyd) Darnell on March 11, 1932 in Porter, OK, where he attended school. After leaving school Dale joined the United States Navy and served honorably. He married the former Dixie June Elkins, and they were blessed with six children, Kenny, Matt, Dennis, Richard, Curtis and Deborah.

He was retired from the Corps of Engineers, where he had been supervisor of a number of the Oklahoma dams, including Webbers Falls, Kerr and Fort Gibson Dams. He began his training at the Fort Gibson Dam. Throughout the years he and his family moved to different locations for his work, including Colbert and Stigler, but finally settled in Muskogee. Dale was a member of the First Christian Church in Coweta, OK. In retirement Dale enjoyed all kinds of woodworking, whether it was building or whittling. His family recalls he was handy and could fix anything. He especially like to overhaul cars.

Dale is survived by two sons, Kenny Darnell and his wife, Lang Darnell of Fort Gibson, OK and Matt Darnell of Muskogee, OK; sixteen grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild; other extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mamie Darnell; his wife, Dixie June Darnell, one daughter, Deborah Joseph and three sons, Dennis Keith Darnell, Richard Don Darnell and Curtis Dean Darnell.

Following cremation, the family has scheduled a graveside memorial service, when he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, June.

The memorial service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, June 22, 2019 graveside at Greenwood Cemetery in Porter, OK.