Melba Jean Darnell

Melba Jean Darnell, 79 of Mobeetie passed away March 14, 2025, in Canadian, Texas surrounded by family. Services will be Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11 am at the First Baptist Church in Mobeetie with Erron Mercer and Travis Leamon officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Mobeetie Cemetery. Viewing will be held Monday, March 17th from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Wheeler.
Melba was born on October 9, 1945 in Wheeler, Texas to Byron and Novelene Simpson. She grew up in Mobeetie, Texas and graduated from Mobeetie High School in 1963. On August 24, 1963, she married Joe Darnell in Mobeetie, Texas. After getting married she went to work as a teller at the First State Bank of Mobeetie for 50 yrs. She retired in 2024 after making many lifelong friends. Melba better known as Nana spent her free time chasing her grandchildren and great grandchildren. When she wasn't chasing her grandkids, she was making beautiful quilts, volunteering at the church, and helping with the community.
Melba was preceded in death by her husband Joe, parents Byron and Novelene Simpson, brother Tiny Simpson, and Jerry Simpson.
Melba is survived by her brother, Jimmie Simpson and wife, Nancy of Kathleen, Georgia; daughters, Gayla Hathaway and husband, Wade Hathaway of Mobeetie, Texas and Debbie McLaughlin and husband, Kent of Mobeetie, Texas; grandchildren, Jason Hathaway and wife, Diana of Amarillo, Texas, Andrea Hathaway of Mobeetie, Texas, Nathan McLaughlin and wife, Emily of Lovelady, Texas, Kory McLaughlin and wife, Ashley of Panhandle, Texas, Brandon Hathaway and wife, Samantha of College Station, Texas; and great grandchildren Jacob, Gabriella, Quade, Chance, Henlee, Bentley, Madison, Briar, Chate and Sutton.