Joel Ogden Darner

Joel Ogden Darner, a long time Arizona Automobile Dealer, passed away
Thursday, May 6, 2004 at his home in Mesa. Joel was born July 15, 1914 in Chicago, Illinois where he lived for two years until his father's death. Following that tragedy, his mother moved the family to Iowa where he spent his formative years. Family hardship forced him into work at the age of 12. His first job was in the Body and Paint business, which sparked a love for automobiles that would carry him into a lifelong career in that business. He was often the sole support of his family, which left no time for school. In 1939, he moved to Arizona hoping the warmer climate would help his respiratory problems, and went to work for C.P. Stephens, the Desoto/ Plymouth dealer for the state of Arizona. Hard work and good fortune shined on him, and in 1949, he was able to acquire the Mesa Hudson franchise. Hudson went out of business in 1953, opening the door for a Desoto/Plymouth franchise. In 1960, when Desoto went out of business, Joel became the Chrysler Plymouth Willeys Jeep and International Scout dealer in Mesa. In 1965, building was completed at the present location of Darner Chrysler Jeep where the business continues today, owned and managed by his son, Joel O. Darner (Joey). Joel found the time for many other pursuits. Joel served his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the capacity of a Stake Missionary, a High Priest, a Sunday School teacher, a teacher quorum advisor, and his greatest love, an Explorer Scout Leader. For 9 years, he showed his love for the young men of the church, teaching them and accompanying them on many campouts and boating adventures. He was also very active in civic affairs, serving on the City Council Advisory Committee and as President of the Exchange Club and the United Way. He also loved to hunt, fish, and pilot his own plane. Joel only had an 8th grade education, but always said he had a Master's Degree in the School of "Hard Knocks". Joel lived a full life and anyone who has had the good fortune of meeting him will never forget him. He was a true automobile man in every sense of the word and will be missed immensely. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy; 7 children: Lois Jean Darner, Carole Darner, Patty Robison (Gary), Joey Darner (Susan), Kris Darner, Cindy Gower (Mark), Michael Darner (Donna); 20 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard Ogden Darner. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 11th, 2004 at the 8th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1054 W. 2nd Street, Mesa at 10:00am. Visitation will be on Monday, May 10th from 6:00-8:00pm at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N. McDonald, Mesa and one hour prior to services at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 157 or the Perpetual Education Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, both in care of Bishop Ken Layton, 737 N. Orange Circle, Mesa AZ 85201.