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- Obituary: Thomas David Darnley
Submitted
Fri, Feb 7th 2025 07:00 am
Thomas David Darnley of Leavenworth, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his home on Jan. 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 on Nov. 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. He participated in school plays, football (captain) and wrestling. He was an all-star in both sports.
On Feb. 7, 1970, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Gail, at St. Martin Lutheran Church in North Tonawanda. Shortly after, Tom and Gail boarded a plane to Fort 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, a Bachelor of Arts degree in education (Magna Cum Laude, Niagara University), a Master of Science degree in strategic intelligence (U.S. Defense Intelligence College), a 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 has four brothers and one sister: Robert Darnley (Chris), of Lake Mary, Florida; Andrew Darnley (Sue) of Carmel Indiana; Richard Darnley (Linda) of Machias, New York; Kenneth Darnley (Michele) of Asheboro, North Carolina; and Susan Siegman (Thomas) of North Tonawanda.
Tom is survived by his wife, Gail Darnley, and by three daughters: Melissa Darnley (Mike) of Leavenworth; Jill Holub (Matt), of Paola, Kansas; and Erica Hundley (Dustin) of Leavenworth. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Chase Holub, Carter Holub, Corey Holub (Hailey), Sammy Burleson and Gage Darnley.
Visitations will be from 10 a.m. to noon and 5-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, at The R.L. Leintz Funeral Home in Leavenworth. A funeral service will begin at noon Tuesday, Feb. 11, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 209, N. Seventh 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 the ALS Association at www.ALS.org and to The Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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1950 - 2025 (74 years)