Christopher Melvin "Chris" Darnell, 67, of Du Quoin, passed away at 7:38 A.M., Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at his residence.
Chris had worked at Essex, MCA, Buckheart Mines in Canton, IL, where he grew up, and Captain Mine.  He had also worked at Cater-Vend, Bombardier, and National Railroad Equipment.  He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Du Quoin.  Chris was a member of UMWA, Du Quoin American Legion, and Indian Nation Sports.  He had been a referee for football and basketball.  Chris was a Khoury League coach for four years, American Legion coach for twelve years, and handled the stats for Du Quoin football for thirty-two years.  Chris was a volunteer assistant coach for several years for the Du Quoin High School baseball team.
He was born September 8, 1958 in Madisonville, KY, the son of Melvin L. and Dorothy L. (Watson) Darnell.
He married Kathy G. Bunge on February 26, 1977 at the First Baptist Church in Du Quoin, IL and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, two daughters - Krysta (Nick) Brown of Du Quoin and Kacie (Patrick) Lang of Pinckneyville, four grandchildren - Drake Brown, Matilyn Brown, Grant Lang, and Alexandra Lang, one sister - Elaine "Missy" (Jeff) Dawson, sisters-in-law - Linda Darnell, Janet Maxton, and Kris (Steve) Aken, brother-in-law and sister-in-law - Harold and Marion Bunge, aunt - Joan Worsham, uncles - William Don Watson and Bobby Joe Watson, several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, many former and beloved baseball players and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother - Ron Darnell, two infant sisters - Vickie and Melinda, grandparents, father-in-law and mother-in-law - Harry and Helen Bunge, brothers-in-law - Jerry Maxton and Karl Bunge, sister-in-law - Janet Bunge, and nephew - Bryan Maxton.
Funeral services will be at Noon, Friday, July 3, 2026 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Steve Marek officiating.
Friends may call from 10 A.M. until the time of service on Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin, IL.
Friends may make memorials to Du Quoin Athletics Program or the American Red Cross and will be accepted at the funeral home.