Michael Bruce Wilkinson, 68, of Cave Junction, died Aug. 3, 2024 at his home. Arrangements with Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.
David Loren Darnell, 65, died June 27, 2024, in Medford, Oregon, leaving behind a legacy of love, music and political activism. He is survived by his devoted wife Karen Darnell; their daughters Alyssa Hallinan and Christine Darnell; sons David Darnell Jr. and Marshall Darnell; grandson Brody Hallinan; sister Rosemary Dagan; and brother Bruce Robbins. He humbly accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1994.
Born Jan. 18, 1959, in Lynwood, Calif., to Robert Loren Darnell and Rose (Murphy) Darnell, David moved to Hubbard, Ore., in 1971, where he graduated from North Marion High School in 1976. His passion for music led him to pursue higher education at the University of Oregon and Oregon College of Education, majoring in music. David was a professional musician from 1976 to 2010, forming bands, playing lead guitar/lead vocals in “Lucky Stryke” and “The Bottom Line,” playing guitar in The Stephanie Michals Band, and guitar, bass and drums in the Church on the Hill worship band.
In addition to his musical career, David married Karen in 1987 and coached his children’s T-ball, baseball, and soccer teams, and supported their acting and musical, and sports endeavors, plus he was a homeschool dad. He also was an electrical supervisor in Oregon and Washington and owned several small businesses. His commitment to smaller government and lower taxes led him to serve as an Oregon Delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention, Chairman of Oregon Republican Party Congressional District 5, Chairman of the Marion County Republican Party, and Chairman of the Oregon Tea Party. He was past President of the Willamette Valley Mining Association and secretary/treasurer of the Galice Mining District until May.
After moving to the area, David co-founded and co-hosted for four years the Facebook conservative news show, “Captive Audience” and continued developing real estate for one of his companies.
At the time of his passing, he was the Chairman of Restore Oregon Now and an Illinois Valley Fire District director.
Through Alcoholics Anonymous and his faith in God, David enjoyed 23 years of blessed sobriety, cherishing his family, his huge circle of friends, pet dogs. His description of himself on his @DlorenDarnell Twitter/X profile reads, “Husband, father, friend, activist, organizer, sinner, Sober. Partial to #cars, #guitars, #guns, #crypto, #MC1R Porto.
Celebration of Life for David Loren Darnell will be held Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. at the Illinois Valley Fire Department in Cave Junction, Oregon. Contributions may be made to restoreoregonwaters.org in his memory.