Darnell Walton

Darnell Lemonyne Walton was born on June 13, 1954, in Joliet, Illinois to his parents, Virgil M. Walton, Sr. and Shirley M. Carson Walton. He was the second child born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brother, Virgil, Jr. and his sister, Marsha. As a child, he loved fishing, hunting, playing the clarinet and sports, especially football and baseball. A fond childhood memory was that of Darnell and his brother, Virgil out delivering papers on their large route and upon returning home on a cold and blustery morning; they discovered Darnell's long eye lashes were stuck together. Darnell received his early education in Joliet, where he graduated from Joliet East High School. He furthered his education by attending Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in History with an emphasis in Russian History. While in college, he was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. On October 23, 2008, Darnell united in holy matrimony to the former Gardenia Corpening. They first met when they both lived in Joliet, Illinois. They exchanged vows in Golden, Colorado. With this union, he became a father to Dawanda and Derek. He later became "PaPa" to Kaia. The family shared many happy and precious moments together. By profession, Darnell was employed by the Denver Public Schools as a Substitute Teacher. He worked at Jefferson County Human Services as a Case Manager but he worked the longest at Denver County Human Services. Wherever he worked, Darnell was a consummate professional. He believed and wanted to make a difference in the lives of the children and adults placed in his charge. He was respected by his supervisors and admired by his fellow educators and co-workers. He retired after many years of faithful and dedicated service. A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Darnell accepted the Lord as his personal savior at a very young age. He joined the Second Baptist Church in Joliet, Illinois. When he relocated to Colorado, he joined New Hope Baptist Church. He served his church and the Lord as a faithful member of the choir. He truly loved his church, his pastor and fellowship shared with his church family. He believed in the power of prayer and that everyone needed to have the right relationship with the Lord. Darnell was a fun-loving man, who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he enjoyed the beauty of Colorado while riding his bike, fishing, or visiting the mountains. He loved to sing, play his Saxophone and Clarinet. His closest friends, Kenny White, Albin Neal, John Potter, and the late Kenny Beavers, will miss the camaraderie's they all shared together and the fact that he was a true and trusted friend. He was a man who never met a stranger and his kindhearted nature will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known the one of a kind guy, who leaves a void that can never be filled. To know Darnell was to love him.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 10/27/2016 at 9:00 AM - New Hope Baptist Church - 3701 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO
Service: 10/27/2016 at 11:00 AM - New Hope Baptist Church - 3701 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 10/27/2016 - Highland Cemetery - 10201 Grant Street Thornton, CO
Family Gathering: 10/27/2016 - Following Interment New Hope Baptist Church - 3701 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO