Jeffrey Ray Darnell, 68, of Ashland, Illinois, died Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Cass County Senior Living and Rehabilitation in Virginia.

He was born March 29, 1957, in Springfield, the son of J.R. and Eva Jean (Willis) Darnell. Jeff married Karen Coy on September 22, 1973, and she survives in Ashland.

He is also survived by his sons, Greg (Patty) Darnell of Hennepin, IL, and Dan Darnell of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Taylor (Quincy) Landreth, Braden Darnell, Declan Fuller, Zach Darnell, Calvin Darnell, Ethan Darnell, Evan Darnell, and Henli Darnell; great grandson, Beckett Landreth; siblings, Linda Mullinix of Princeton, KY and Eric (Marian) Darnell of Pleasant Plains; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandparents, Anna and Mose Blakeman, and Eugene and Nannie Willis.

Jeff graduated from Pleasant Plains High School in 1975. He owned and operated Darnell Autobody in Ashland for seventeen years and later was a trucker for the Prentice Elevator and DOT Foods. Jeff was the first to help anyone in need and worked with the Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad in Ashland for over 40 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Ashland, as well as a First Degree Master Mason. As Jeff was an avid motorcyclist, he was also a member of the Sons of American Legion Riders. He also enjoyed playing golf, going bowling, and had even belonged to several bowling leagues throughout the years in Pleasant Plains. As Greg and Dan grew up, Jeff loved coaching their baseball teams. The loves of Jeff's life were his wife Karen, his family, black Harley motorcycles, and rock and country music.

A funeral service will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Ashland, with burial to follow at Pleasant Plains Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 10 AM until the time of service. Memorial donations are suggested to the Ashland Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.