Donald  Darnell, PhD, 87, of Akin, IL, passed away at 6:32 p.m., on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on February 7, 1930, to Carl Felix and Dana Marguerite (Marquis) Darnell in Macedonia, IL.  Donald was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  He retired as a Professor of Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. On July 20, 1992, he married Thi Nguyen. Donald and Thi resided in Akin, IL.

Donald was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, writing cards and poetry. Donald performed and traveled as Spinner the Clown. He was a member of Akin Baptist Church.

Donald is survived by his loving wife, Thi, children, Nhu Ta - Chante Trinh and Tri Ta - Thuy-Anh Trinh; grandchildren, Robert Trinh, Valerie Trinh, Natalie Trinh, Jessica Ta, Vanessa Ta; and two brothers, Phillip R. Darnell and Jimmy M. Darnell; also surviving many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Felix and Dana Marguerite Darnell, sisters, Edna Marguerite Williams and Lois Mae Long; brothers, Carl Dean Darnell, Mark Alan Darnell, Jesse Commordore Darnell, William Eugene Darnell and twin brother, Ronald Darnell.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, September 23, 2017, at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will follow the visitation at 12:00 p.m., on  Saturday, September 23, 2017,  at the funeral home with Br. Howard Johnson officiating.  Burial will follow services at Brady Cemetery in Akin, IL, with military rites performed  by the Benton American Legion Post 280, V.F.W. Post 2671 and the National Guard Honors Team.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.