THOMAS DARNLEY

THOMAS DAVID DARNLEY Thomas David Darnley of Leavenworth passed away peacefully in his home, Wednesday, January 29, 2025. He will be forever remembered for his belief in the Lord, his great love for family and his great sense of humor. Tom was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on November 25, 1950, to Andrew Darnley Sr. and Sybil R. Darnley (Conk). Although Tom left New York at the age of 18, he maintained close family ties with his New York family. He especially ensured that his three daughters knew all their aunts, uncles and cousins. Tom graduated from Niagara Wheatfield High School in 1969. Tom participated in school plays, football (captain) and wrestling. He was an All-Star in both sports. On February 7, 1970, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Gail, at St. Martins Lutheran church in North Tonawanda, N.Y. Shortly after, Tom and Gail boarded a plane to Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, to begin their lives together. Three beautiful daughters and five grandchildren later, Tom and Gail lived a magical life together. Throughout Tom's career, he amassed degrees and certifications in Radiologic Technology, BA Education (Magna Cum Laude Niagara University), Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence (US Defense Intelligence College), Master of Arts, and ultimately graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 1991. Tom fulfilled three goals that he set for himself; to be a soldier, teacher, and wrestling coach. In addition, he was an avid motorcycle rider, fox hunter and wild game hunter; all passions that he passed on to his grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife, Gail Darnley and three daughters Melissa Darnley (Mike) of Leavenworth, Kan.; Jill Holub (Matt), of Paola, Kan.; and Erica Hundley (Dustin) of Leavenworth. Tom is also survived by his five grandchildren, Chase Holub, Carter Holub, Corey Holub (Hailey), Sammy Burleson and Gage Darnley; four brothers and one sister; Robert Darnley (Chris who passed away 2024) of Lake Mary, Fla.; Andrew Darnley (Sue) of Carmel, Ind.,; Richard Darnley (Linda) of Machias, N.Y.; Kenneth Darnley (Michele) of Asheboro, N.C., and Susan Siegmann (Thomas) of North Tonawanda. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2025, at R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 12 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 N. 7th St., Leavenworth. Burial with military honors will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Cards, flowers and other condolences can be sent to R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Monetary tributes can be made in Tom's memory to ALS Association at ALS.org and to The Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.