Richard "Dick" Chenoweth Darnell

Richard (Dick) Chenoweth Darnell

Age 86 • Farmington, Utah • October 18, 2025

Dick was born on March 8, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Colonel George Chenoweth and Evelyn Gladys Esther Schatz, who later divorced. He was subsequently adopted by his stepfather, Lawrence Woodard Darnell. The family lived in Rhode Island while his father served in the Navy. After his father was killed in action, Dick and his mother returned home to Utah. He was their only child.

He attended South High School in Salt Lake City. At 17, Dick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. A proud Marine, he deeply valued his years of service and the skills he developed during that time. He completed a certificate in Electrical and Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology through the Marine Corps, where he maintained and repaired aircraft electronics equipment and weapons systems, including guided missile systems such as the Nike Hercules, Sparrow 1, Redeye, and Sidewinder. His dedication, precision, and sense of duty were evident in every aspect of his work.

After retiring from military service, Dick married Marcia Ballard in 1961, and together they had eight children. They later divorced. He was a devoted father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. His kids remember him as steady, selfless, and always present — someone who offered wise advice and always made time for fun. One of their favorite traditions was spending summers camping at Cherry Hill, where countless memories were made around campfires, laughter, and time together.

Dick loved education and was always eager to learn. In 1991, he earned his Associate of Science degree from the University at Albany. He went on to dedicate more than 35 years to teaching at Salt Lake Community College, where he was a beloved professor in the Electronics Technology and Telecommunications programs. His passion for learning and his patient, hands-on teaching style left a lasting impression on countless students over the years. He took great pride in helping others understand complex subjects and was known for his steady guidance, gentle humor, and genuine care for those he taught.

He also had the privilege of accompanying Salt Lake Community College students who qualified for the state competition to the SkillsUSA National Championship each summer. Dick took great pride in their accomplishments, and under his guidance, his students consistently performed exceptionally well.

In addition to his years of teaching at SLCC, Dick served as an Industry Trainer for TE Connectivity and BICSI for nearly 20 years. He trained students in the installation of structured cabling systems for voice, data, and related applications, including both copper and fiber optic installation, connector splicing, and system testing.

Dick was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings throughout his life, including service in bishoprics, elders quorums, and Sunday School. He loved his Savior and held strong to his faith even through life’s storms.

He loved to dance and could often be found on the dance floor with a lady friend on his arm. Dick had many lifelong friendships and valued them deeply.

Above all, Dick loved his family. What he wanted most in life was for his family to remain close and connected. He would do anything for his loved ones and gave selflessly to anyone in need. His great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart — they could always bring a smile to his face and brighten even his hardest days. He made it a priority to create lasting memories with his family: decorating cookies for the holidays, visiting the local pumpkin patch each fall, making crepes on Christmas morning, and taking their annual trip to the Ogden Christmas Village, followed by “nachos dulce” at Javier’s — traditions his family will always treasure.

Dick will be remembered for his quick wit, humor, and storytelling. He loved sharing memories of his life — especially his time in the Marines — and could have a room full of people laughing with his vivid tales and charming delivery. He believed in finding joy and laughter wherever possible and often reminded others not to take life too seriously, saying, “None of us will make it out alive anyway.”

He was immensely proud of his Marine heritage and was quick to quiz anyone on important dates and facts about the Corps. Though his time in service was brief, it shaped who he was and remained a lifelong source of pride. He also had an incredible knowledge of U.S. history and could recall nearly any date or event with remarkable precision.

Dick loved to travel and, in recent years, was able to check many destinations off his bucket list — including Route 66, his favorite adventure. He often brought his children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren along on his work trips, creating memories that will be forever cherished.

Dick spent the last few months of his life at Legacy House in Farmington, where he enjoyed the company of new friends and the kindness of a caring community. The staff there made him feel right at home, and their warmth and compassion meant so much to him and his family. A special thanks to the wonderful team at Aspen Ridge Home Health and Hospice for their exceptional care and for helping him feel comfortable and peaceful during his final weeks on this earth.

He is survived by his eight children: Lyn (Randall) Long, Craig (Jami) Darnell, Diane (Doug) Thomas, Karen (Bryce) Woodard, Kevin (Melissa) Darnell, Susan Turner, Jennifer Barrs, and Jamie (Darryn) Lee; 27 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Christina Darnell.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, October 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary in Farmington. A second viewing will take place on Monday, October 27, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the LDS Church building, located at 347 S 200 W, Farmington, Utah 84025. Funeral services will follow from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with interment to take place promptly at 2:00 p.m. at the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park in Bluffdale.