Darnell A. Hearst

Darnell A. Hearst, Age 62, of Romulus, MI passed away April 15, 2019.

Darnell Antonio Hearst was born on September 16th, 1956 to James Sr. and Lois Hearst. He is the second child of 6 children; James Jr.”Skeet”, Clarence “Boot”, Ethel “Kimmie”, Bridgette “Shelly” and Brian “Lil Brian”.

Darnell was baptized in the early 60’s by Rev Owen as an AME Methodist Church member. As a devoted Parks Memorial member, trustee, and our own Mr. Fix It. He remained a true man to his faith for life.

In 1975, Darnell (TIANT) graduated from Romulus High School. He then started working at General Motors Hydromatic where he retired from the line to return as a fire fighter. During those years Darnell also had his own Hearst & Daughters Lawn Care Service all while becoming the 1st African American fire man for the city of Romulus station #3.

In the late 1970’s Darnell met Sandra Holliday “Sandy”, they began their life together and raised four daughters together; Yolanda “Londa”, Delores “DeDe”, Antionice “Neicy” and Devan “Debbie”. His beautiful daughters blessed him with six grand blessings; Antonio “AJ”, Kaden, Peyton, Preston, Kacen, Dominic “Pete” and a gang of 4- legged fur-bearing grand pets who will all no doubt miss their Paw Paw. He had a special bond with the young men that joined our Hearst story included but not limited to Brad, Anthony and Donald “CJ”.

In the 80’s Darnell started the tradition to attend The Daddy Daughter Dance where he proudly escorted his daughters and over 20 other honorary daughters for over 40 years making last year the final dance with his girls. His family was large and they didn’t have to be blood; all over town in and out extending to the Ledford-Williams-Rodgers family, Roy, Mike and Linda.

A lover of hunting, fishing, gardening and just being outside because he took great pride in his yard lessons learned from his father. A few close buddies will be missing his calls this spring: Alvin, Keith, Chris, John and David. These fellas were more than friends, they were brothers to Darnell.

Darnell lost his fight to stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer on April 15, 2019 at 10:05am at the age of 62. He out lived the odds with surviving beyond expectations. Beyond expectations is an understatement for all of the things that Darnell has accomplished. *Did you know that he was a star player for both the basketball and football team at Romulus High School, graduating class of 1975 better known as TIANT. *Did you know he begun working at General Motors Power Train in Ypsilanti, Michigan at the age 18 up until his retirement in 2009. Darnell earned various certifications for tractor trailers, heavy equipment operating and professional cake decorating.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Ethel LaMar, and Joel and Lula Hearst.

Darnell leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Sandy; four daughters Yolanda, Delores, Antionice and Devan; his parents James Sr. and Lois Hearst; three brothers James Jr., Clarence and Brian; two sisters Ethel (James Averhart) and Bridgette; six grandchildren Antonio ”AJ”, Kaden, Peyton, Kacen, Dominic Jr. “Pete”; very special nephews J.T. & Richard; sweet nieces Aprille, Alicia & Brittany; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lots of family and friends.