David Allen Darnell, age 62,of South Bend, Indiana passed away in his home on April 05, 2026.  David was born on July 08, 1963. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Nancy and Frank (Judith) and is survived by his sister Debbie Keiser (Michael) nieces Cassie Register, and Carly Pantoja d Alba (Joe), great nephews Ashton and Julian Register, stepmother Judith Darnell and stepsisters Jill Deckard (Mitch) and Julie Wells (Rodney) and countless friends and loved ones.

David graduated from John Adams High School in 1981.  David was a graduate of Hanover College, a time in his life he cherished and apparently swam across the Ohio River!  David was an active member of Sigma Chi fraternity and the Hanover College Choir.  The choir trip to Romania left a lasting impression Dave will never forget. David loved music and was known for his particular passion for Herb Alpert and his spot on trumpet impression, which never failed to amuse his nieces and great nephews!  David, a lifelong learner, had just begun to learn the trombone and was taking lessons.

David was an active and beloved member of the Elks Club and earning the nickname of DD and winning Elk of the Year for his tireless efforts serving his community.  The Elks was his home away from home and he could be found many an evening enjoying a cold one, chitchatting with his friends, and staying late to escort the ladies to their cars. 

David was a collector of many things, most importantly knowledge.  You could count on Dave to know the most obscure of facts so that willing or unwilling, you left every conversation having learned something new.  David had the true gift of gab and could weave a story into many a late night occasion.

David’s booming voice and contagious laughter made everyone he encountered feel seen and loved.  While David never had children of his own, he cherished his role as Uncle, never missing an opportunity for a swimming adventure, a heart felt late night chat or picking his nieces and great nephews up by the head.  He leaves a giant Dave-sized hole in the heart of all who knew him best.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Pet Refuge or any of your favorite animal charities or to the Elks Lodge #235 where he was a member.  David loved animals and spent a lot of his life rescuing and caring for animals.

Please join us for a graveside service at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park on 375 West Cleveland Rd. Granger, Indiana 46530 on Friday, April 10 at noon.  We will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date when all of his family can be here at The First Presbyterian Church in South Bend with a reception to follow at the Elks Club. We will announce this date soon. 

Palmer Funeral Homes – Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.