George Stephen "Steve" Darnell

George Stephen "Steve" Darnell, 68, of Miami, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on October 18th, surrounded by family. Steve was born February 10th, 1956, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to George Henry Darnell and June Delores Fosdick Darnell. Steve graduated from Miami High School in 1974, then went on to college at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology- Okmulgee, earning a degree as a diesel mechanic.
Steve owned and operated Darnell Services, a local mechanical and welding shop. Originally owned as Spohn Welding by his father, George Darnell in the early 1960's. Steve led the charge from May 1980 until September of 2024, alongside his loyal colleague Patrick Pulley (1985- Present). Steve had many interests. He spent years involved in local theater, often lending a hand backstage or on sound and lights. An avid music lover, Steve was an accomplished saxophone player, and his rich bass voice added depth to many a song. Steve especially loved building and racing Tuff Trucks. At the spry age of 27, Steve helped coordinate the 1982 inaugural Miami Monster Truck Show and was one of the original Tuff Truck drivers starting in 1997. In the 42 years that have passed since that first show, Steve spent many evenings and weekends diligently preparing trucks for races, fixing trucks after they'd been run hard, setting up bleachers for the show, or just lending a helping hand in any way he could. Steve was a member of First Christian Church of Miami, where he previously served as a Devotional Group Leader and Deacon. Additionally, he previously served as an Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge for two terms, serving on a number of committees- one of his favorites being the annual Christmas Basket Project.
Remaining to cherish Steve's memory are his partner, Karen Cummings; his son Andrew (Drew) Stephen Darnell; his daughter, Marriah (Darnell) Baker and her husband, Lauden Baker; his grandson, Briar Stephen Darnell; his sister, Elizabeth (Liz) Forrester and her husband, Bruce Forrester; his nieces and nephew, Kandi Osburn, Jennifer Hinshaw, and Matthew Stanley; and countless dear friends and family.
Preceding Steve in death are his parents and grandparents.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 24th at 1pm at First Christian Church of Miami with Leon Weece officiating. Friends and family are welcome to gather in the lobby of First Christian Church of Miami to reminisce following the service.
Memorial donations in Steve's memory may be directed to The Miami Elks Lodge Christmas Basket Project. Flowers may be sent to Brown Winters Funeral Home in Miami, Oklahoma.
Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mr. Darnell's Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.