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Philip Darner, Sr.
0414 Obit P Darner

Philip Darner, Sr., 86, of Turlock died Tuesday, April 6 from complications from a stroke he suffered in July 2009.

He lived in Stanislaus County most of his life. He graduated from Oakdale High School. He lived and worked in Oakdale in the 1950s and 1960s. He lived in Riverbank for over 20 years, where he raised his family. His children attended schools in Oakdale and Riverbank.

Mr. Darner was a mechanic specializing in hydraulic systems. He pioneered the automated ram return systems on the 29 wood splitters that he built and sold.

He was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, being baptized in 1960. He attended the Fruitridge congregation.

Those who knew him knew he loved to talk to others about the Bible either at their home of place of business. He enjoyed people, loved his family, enjoyed reading and the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Ruth; children, Philip (Karen) Darner, Jr., Sandra (Dan) Pierce, and Randal (Carla) Darner; brother, Frank Darner of Iowa; three grandsons; five granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 49 years, Nellie; two granddaughters; and several siblings.

Interment is private; however, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hughson on Santa Fe Avenue.