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Riley Devern Darnell

1915 - 2013

Riley Devern Darnell obituary, 1915-2013

BORN

1915

DIED

2013

Riley Darnell Obituary

Devern Darnell age 97 of Lodi, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2013.
He was born February 25, 1915 in Lodonia, Texas.  As Devern was growing up, his family lived in Oregon, Colorado and California. In 1939 Devern married Frances "Frankie" Spindler.  He served in the Army during WW2 as a combat medic in le Shima and Okinawa, Japan from 1943 to 1946.  Returning home after the war, Devern opened a Standard station and garage in Cedarville, CA. and later moved to Alturas opening a Texaco station, In 1952, Devern moved his family to Lodi. He purchased a Texaco station on the corner of Walnut and School Street and later moved his business to the corner of Highway 99 and Kettleman Lane.  He eventually relocated his business to Hutchins Street and Kettleman Lane, under the name of "Darnell ARCO", where he remained until his retirement. 
After 44 years of marriage, Devern lost Frances due to an auto related accident. In 1983 Devern and Cleo Gilliland married and were married eight years until her death. Devern and Melva Lind were married from 1991 until his passing.
Devern was known for his ARCO gas station were he employed many students during the summers. He was a mechanic but wouldn't hesitate to stop what he was doing to help fix a bicycle tire. He loved to garden and grew fruits trees, grapes, berries, along with an array of vegetables.  Devern was an active member in the Lockeford SDA Church.
Devern is survived by his wife Melva, daughter Marlene Sanford, daughter Beverly Follett (Bob), son Ron Darnell (Sue), grandchildren Kari McKinney (Scott), Steve Sanford (Jenny), Brandon Follett, Kimberly Torrey (Bobby), Jodie Darnell, Dustin Darnell (Robyn), Elizabeth Darnell and six great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lockeford SDA Church on February 2 at 3:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lodi Academy Student Worthy Fund, 1230 S. Central Ave, Lodi CA 95240.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lodi-News Sentinel from Jan. 18 to Jan. 25, 2013.

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4 Entries

Pete and Rose Gabrys

January 21, 2013

Devern was the most considerate man, always a smile with something nice to say a true christian. our prayers are with the family God Bless

Carolyn Cooper

January 19, 2013

Uncle Davern we'll see you in heaven. You were a Gentlemans gentleman, a true Christian man and one of lifes pleasures. Prayers to your family.

SUE JENSON

January 18, 2013

I was sad to learn of Devern's passing. He was the nicest man and was a true christian. He was a good friend of Fred's and mine. He was a true friend. He will be missed. Melva and your family are in my prayers. We had many bible studies with Devern's help as he came to our house to conduct them as Fred was not able to leave the house. Devern was a real blessing to know.

Ted Roach

January 18, 2013

Devern was one of the nicest men to walk the earth. He and my dad Warren Roach were partners 38 years in the service station business. They had Texaco and Richfield which later became Arco. I worked for Devern after my dad retired. Devern never got angry and would always go above and beyond to please all humans. He will be missed by many. Devern inspired me as a mechanic which lead to my long career until my retirement 2 years ago.

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