Zane Darnell

(From Parker Mortuary)

Zane Jay Darnell, age 60, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at his residence. Zane was born and raised in East Point, GA on November 27, 1965. Zane graduated from Headland High School in East Point.

In 1990, Zane met the love of his life, his late wife, Lori Darnell. She was speaking about the White Fields Overseas Evangelism at East Point Christian Church, where Zane attended. Zane was able to convince her to go on a date with him even though she lived in Joplin, MO. On November 24, 1990, Zane and Lori married at Hickory Valley Christian Church in Chattanooga, TN.

In 1991, Zane and Lori decided to move to Joplin, MO from Atlanta, GA to be closer to Lori’s parents, Reggie and Esther Thomas, where they started attending Villa Heights Christian Church. From there, they grew in the community and had their daughter, Lacey, in 1994.

Seeing Lori’s love and compassion for ministry work, Zane started working at White Fields Overseas Evangelism. He grew to love working overseas and some of his close friends are in Cuba, India, and Haiti. He loved traveling and spreading the Lord’s word in the various countries that White Field’s supports. After the passing of Lori, he took over the ministry and continued helping all of the people.

Zane was a connoisseur in everything college football and coffee. Those were his two favorite things in the world other than his daughter, Lacey and their pets, Yuubae and Luna. He was THE person to go to for advice on which player was the best and what kind of coffee to get.

One life goal of Zane’s was to graduate from college. He enrolled at Hope International University and thrived in his schoolwork. In May 2024, Zane graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry. He continued his education by working towards a Master of Arts in Ministry in Executive Ministry with a dual degree in Master of Business.

He is survived by his daughter, Lacey Darnell and her significant other, Trevor Lewis; mother-in-law Esther Thomas Jamison and her husband, Larry; his sister, Jerri Darnell; his brothers-in-law Tony Thomas and his wife, Christie, Tracy Thomas and his wife, Janie, Tim Thomas and his wife, Sandy. His sister-in-law, Teresa Diener, and her husband, Bud; his bonus daughter Julie Hadley; his cherished family and friends. In addition to his late wife, Lori Darnell. Zane was preceded in death by one son, David Zane Darnell; father, Gerald Darnell; mother, Betty Darnell; and father-in-law, Reggie Thomas.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, March 20th at 3:00 pm at Villa Heights Christian Church with ministers Steve Bycroft and Larry Jamison officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Zane to White Fields Overseas Evangelism P.O. Box 1089 Joplin, MO 64802-1089

The arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary.