Kenneth Edward Darnell was born Aug. 3, 1951,
and lived 70 abundant and adventurous years before suffering a stroke and going home to rest with Jesus on April 27, 2022.
Ken grew up in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, married his high school sweetheart, Teresa Price, and graduated first in his class of civil engineers at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide). He was an avid intellectual and self-labeled nerd, whose hunger for information was only eclipsed by his passion for sharing the intricate beauties of God’s creation with everyone he met.
Ken’s life touched thousands of others as he traveled to more than 40 countries and all 50 states. He had a rare enthusiasm for people and made friends wherever he went, wielding his keen sense of humor to put people at ease.
Ken’s quick wit enhanced his qualities as the ultimate “girl dad,” and he constantly displayed his pride for his three daughters and 10 grandchildren. A teacher at heart, Papa’s hobby was his family, instilling in his children and grandchildren a lifelong curiosity and courageous heart to engage with God’s beauty through fishing, hunting, snow skiing, hiking, tennis and basketball.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Teresa; daughters, Kimberly (Rusty) Woody, Christy (Mark) Knight and Emily (Chuck) Hooten; and grandchildren: Riley, Blake and Ty Woody; Caleb, Grace, and Joshua Knight; and Lily, Ava, Mae and Josie Hooten; his parents, brother, sister and beloved nieces and nephews.
His celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Concord, 11704 Kingston Pike, Farragut, Tennessee, with receiving of friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the service following, on Friday, May 6.
David DeWayne Shelden, age 49, passed away April 15, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.
David bravely and courageously fought cancer for 15 years. His battle was won when the angels sang him home.
David is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Whitney C. Shelden; children, Christopher Conrad Shelden, Sierra Drew Shelden and Piper Graziella Vassallo; mother and step-father, Louise and Douglas Stallings; father and step-mother, Joseph and Lily Shelden; siblings, Lee Fulkerson II and Crystal (Tim) Seul; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and loving extended family members.
David was honest, loyal, brave and true, and always told it like it was. His dedication, protection, strength, courage and undying love for his family will be greatly missed. He will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, friend and motorcycle-riding music lover.
Memorial service was held at Sweet Prospect General Baptist Church, 1201 E Elk St., Dexter, Missouri, on Saturday afternoon, April 23, and will be held at Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, beginning at 5 p.m., Saturday, April 30. A Celebration of David’s Life will be held on Monday, July 4, on the Farm at Cross Creek in Kingston, Tennessee.
Sarah Ellis Burke passed away Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, from cancer. She was a life-long member of Grassy Valley Baptist Church. Sarah was a graduate of Farragut High School, Class of 1952, where she was a cheerleader and played basketball. She studied cosmetology in Nashville and Orlando, Florida, but decided that was not for her, and returned to office work.
Sarah was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Edward L. Burke; and son, Edward L. (Rob) Burke Jr.; father, Martin Ellis; mother, Ethel Ellis Tidwell; stepfather, Louis Tidwell; and brothers, Alvin and Ken Ellis.
She enjoyed being at the family farm in Crossville, known as “Winter Place,” and enjoyed deer hunting with her husband on Catoosa Wildlife Area.
Sarah is survived by granddaughter, Kelly Sarah Burke; daughter-in-law, Martha Grecco Burke; brothers, Marshall and Scott Ellis, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In honoring Sarah’s request, there will be no service. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BerryHighlandWest.com for the Burke family.
LaSorsa, Rose Marie, age 81, died peacefully at her home in West Knoxville on Feb. 11, 2022.
Rose was born on Feb. 24, 1941, in Jefferson County, Alabama, and moved to Knoxville in 1948. She attended Knoxville West High School and the University of Tennessee.
Rose dedicated her life to her family while working at Knox County Sheriff’s Office and UT Medical Center, with a career spanning more than 60 years. She loved working with the residents and staff at UT General Dentistry. Rose was a resilient woman who demonstrated selfless love and caring for her family and friends.
Rose is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Mike LaSorsa.
Rose is survived by her beloved sons, Scott and Brent; daughter-in-law, Karen; eight grandchildren, Olivia, Sophia, Mason, Cambria, Julia, Karley Jo, Hannah and Matt Braden, and Hayden and Sarah Kurtz; great-grandson, Jordan; several extended family members including Richard and Mary Joan Baggot, Vinny LaSorsa and Carmele Goins, and many dear friends.,
The family will receive friends from 9 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Don Wilson officiating. Following the service, Rose will be laid to rest with her husband, Mike LaSorsa, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
Rose was deeply loved and will be terribly missed, yet there is joy knowing her homecoming to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Fond memories and condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com
passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021.
Born the oldest of three children, she had a life well-lived, deserving of admiration and thanks for all the lives she positively impacted around the world. We believe God has set a special place of honor for her. After graduating from Mishawaka High School, Joan attended Holy Cross School of Nursing, graduating as a registered nurse. This began her many decades of selfless service to others.
Joan was beloved in the many communities where she lived and served. Those communities included the Greater Knoxville area; Bethel Park, Pennsylvania; and Bettendorf, Iowa, just to name a few.
Joan held numerous leadership positions including president of The Rotary Club of Farragut, president of the Bethel Park Chamber of Commerce and countless other Board member positions of various organizations. She was honored as the 2008 Volunteer of the Year by Tennessee Friends of Libraries, a Dolly Parton organization.
Joan was accomplished in more than 10 needle arts. She enjoyed crochet, scherre braiding, sewing, candle wicking and Teneriffe embroidery just to name a few. For 12 ½ years she was an advice columnist/designer for the internationally circulated “Women’s Circle Crochet” magazine and had more than 200 designs published. Her award-winning designs were featured on two front covers of the magazine. She published two booklets, “Teneriffe Embroidery” and “Teneriffe Embroidery II” (an authentic colonial needle art). She was passionate about teaching and perpetuating needle arts to future generations.
Her tireless dedication was recognized by The Daughters Of The American Revolution: she was presented the Women In The Arts National Award.
Joan was inducted as a member of the Authors Guild of Tennessee. She was a certified Leadership Development and Organizational Development Consultant. She was honored in: “World Who’s Who of Women,” “International Who’s Who In Community Service,” “Two Thousand Women of Achievement (Internationally),” “Dictionary of International Biography,” “International Platform Association,” “Who’s Who of American Women” and “Community Leaders of America.” She was recognized by many elected officials and was included in the “U.S. Congressional Record” for her service.
Prior to her relocation to Ohio to be closer to family, her community activities included Lifetime Member of Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce, “Honorary Member for Life” at The Rotary Club of Farragut and Tellico Lake and Parliamentarian for Friends of the Vonore Public Library (Monroe County).
Joan’s Catholic faith was unwavering. She relished serving as a Eucharistic Minister at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and served as lector and organist in her previous parishes.
Joan is survived by her dearly devoted husband of 67 years, James (Jim) McIntee. Jim often is heard saying “Yup, I’d marry that girl again -- in a heartbeat!” Joan was the proud mother of six accomplished children: James W. McIntee Jr. (Eva) of Akron, Ohio; John D. McIntee (Lisa) of Sylvania, Ohio; Janet M. (McIntee) Greiber (Tommy) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; Jeanne A (McIntee) Middleton (Mark, Sr) of Hilliard, Ohio; June E. (McIntee) Ryan (Tim) of Cleveland, Ohio; and Julie J (McIntee) Santucci (Jack) of Stuart, Florida.
Joan also is survived by her nine precious grandchildren: Mikala (McIntee) Brown (Matt), Oliva McIntee, Jennifer Middleton, Jessica Middleton, Mark Middleton Jr. (Caroline) Janelle (Middleton) McCoy (Cody), Aisling Ryan, John Santucci III and Jamie Santucci. Joan often referred to her one great-grandchild, Audrey Middleton, as a precious gem.
She also is survived by her loving sister, Jane Helen (Haines) Vandewalle (Tom) of South Bend, Indiana, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was proceeded in death by her father, J. Howard Haines; mother, Helen Catherine (May) Haines; brother, Jim Haines; sister-in-law, Maxine (Beehler) Haines; nephew, Don Vandewalle; and niece, Jill Haines.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, Dec, 22, 2021, at Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church, 9350 High Free Pike, West Jefferson, Ohio, 43162; Father Dwayne McNew, Celebrant. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Rotary Club, Rotary International or to the Friends of the Library in Vonore.
