Darnell Joseph Pinell, Sr.

1934 ∼ 2020

Darnell Joseph Pinell, Sr., 85, of Nederland, TX passed away Saturday, May 2, 2020. He was born in Port Arthur, Texas on December 17, 1934, at home to his parents, Eugene Earnest Pinell, Sr., and Annie Bergeron Pinell. Darnell was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Eugene Earnest Pinell, Jr.; sister, Gloria Smith and brother, Dixie Pinell. His surviving sister is Mary Helen Hardy.

Darnell went to grade school at St. Mary’s and Bishop Byrne High School Section 1 in Port Arthur, TX; joined the Navy from 1954 through 1955 as a Seaman. He worked at Texaco Case and Packaging Division in Port Arthur for 26 years then at C.O. Wilson Junior High School in Nederland for 11 years. He married Susan Berzas of Ville Platte, LA, on July 4, 1958, and was married for 62 years. He is survived by their three children, Darnell Joseph Pinell Jr. and his wife Wanda; Jeannie Ann Fancher; and Adam Eugene Pinell and his wife, Cindy. Darnell and Susan have four grandchildren, Bryan and Jeremy Fancher, and Christine and Alex Pinell. Both Darnell and Susan have been members of St. Charles Catholic Church for 60 years. Darnell’s hobby was woodworking and helping to raise their children. For many years he ministered in the library at the Stiles Unit, a prison for men in Beaumont where he taught Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) classes; volunteered with Homebound Ministries and Prison Ministries at the Jefferson County jail. His love sign was popping, “The Rod.”

A Christian Vigil will be held Saturday, May 16, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with a rosary to be recited at 11:00 a.m. at Melancon’s Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2020, at Memory Garden’s Cemetery in Nederland.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Jeannie Fancher is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Darnell Pinell Funeral Service

Time: May 16, 2020 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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Condolences

Sheila And Lowell Walker May 16, 2020
Darnell will be sorely missed by many people. His ministry at the prison seemed to be one of the most important missions in his life. It appeared he had a special way with words with those men to let them know God loved them all....and even when his health started failing he would insist Susan leave him home on Monday and go see her 'grandchildren' as she called them at the county jail to lift them up to the Lord. That is just how he was. And I am now wondering if when he runs into Gale (walker) in heaven if they will both be yelling "I'm not talking to you" or will they bust out laughing at each other with open arms. Rest in peace Darnell ..Christ is welcoming you home where tears are no more and suffering and pain are ended.
Mark Rizzato May 15, 2020
I just found out about Pop yesterday. I had the privilege of meeting Pop several years back. Such a very kind man. I ask him one time about how he met Mrs Pinell. He told me the whole story and it was amazing to me. I will miss Pop and I know for a fact that he will have one of the larger mansions in Heaven.
Jeannette Duplantis May 9, 2020
My sincere condolences in the loss of your dear husband, Mr Darnell, Mrs Susan. I remember meeting him when I went to your home to pick up Home Interior and he was always so nice and funny too! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow and may Mr. Darnell rest in God's peace.
Mary Thibodeaux Bean May 8, 2020
My prayers go out to the family .. There are many good memory from my younger ages with this family.Mr Pinell always had me laughing and smiling . :pray::pray:
Yolanda Thibodeaux May 5, 2020
YoLanda Thibodeaux sent a virtual gift in memory of Darnell Joseph Pinell, Sr.
Linda Adams May 5, 2020
Prayers for the family. He was a great man & always very supportive of whatever his wife was doing.
Patsy Sedtal May 5, 2020
Sending my symphathy to Susan and all the family Patsy Sedtal
Blinda Gaspard May 5, 2020
So sorry for your loss! Keeping "Pop" ,Sue and family in prayer! He will be missed by many! May he rest in peace, Phillip and Blinda Gaspard
Tammy Ardoin May 5, 2020
Tammy Ardoin lit a candle in memory of Darnell Joseph Pinell, Sr.
Jeannie Fancher May 5, 2020
The pain of losing you is real - Knowing tomorrow you won't be in your chair yelling for food is unthinkable- Sorrow will consume my life for a while - But knowing you are sitting at a feast fit for a king is blissful - Knowing that you are pain-free and completely healed has me elated - An unspeakable joy has come over my sorrow. A joy that you are in heaven with Jesus and your parents is indescribable. A joy knowing you are living your best life! Till we meet again, Dad! I love you!! Jeannie
George A Pinell May 4, 2020
So sorry to hear about the passing of my cousin, Darnell. We was a typical Pinell with a great sense of humor. Will keep the family in our prayers. George and Cindi Pinell.
Colleen Stone May 4, 2020
Mr. & Mrs. Pinell were wonderful, caring, loving individuals. Always wanting to lend a helping hand and give kind words to all. Mr. Pinell will be sadly missed by all.Raymond Broussard and I (Colleen Stone) send our deepest condolences.
Jane Anne Castille Carter May 3, 2020
Mr. Pinell was a Wonderful, caring parent to his children. He was kind to all his Kids friends. We would go over and visit with Jeannie and her family and he would always make us laugh. He will be greatly missed! Sincerely, Jane Carter and family.
event_available

Services & Events

event Visitation

location_on Melancon's Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, 77627
directions Get Directions
schedule Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

event Burial

location_on Memory Gardens Cemetery of Jefferson Co., 3098 U.S. 69, Nederland, 77627
directions Get Directions
schedule Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 2:00 PM