Thomas E. Darnell, 88, of Caseyville, Ill., born Friday, July 23, 1926, in East St. Louis, Ill., died Monday, March 9, 2015, at his residence.

Thomas was an expert carpenter and dedicated to his trade for more than 60 years.

He was a member of the local Carpenter's Union 169. He was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Caseyville, Ill. for 58 years, and the Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy, Belleville, Ill.

He enjoyed being outdoors, watching westerns, and playing cards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ida, nee Ballard, Darnell; three brothers, Raymond, John, and Charles Darnell, Jr.; and a sister, Imogene Cooper.

Surviving are his wife, Virginia, nee Dunn, Darnell of Caseyville, Ill., whom he married on Sept. 29, 1945; a daughter, Penny J. and her husband, Jesse Johnson of Caseyville, Ill.; and special nieces and nephews.

The Darnell family wishes to acknowledge the kindness and care given to them from the Poor Clare Nuns, and the nursing staff at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Ill.

Memorials may be made to the Poor Clare Nuns and will be accepted at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at: www.herrfuneral.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at Herr Funeral Home, Caseyville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2015, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, Caseyville, Ill., with Msgr. James Blazine officiating. Burial will be in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Ill.