The Gordon Louis Darnell Memorial Scholarship was established to aid sophomore students who are citizens of Panola County.

Gordon Louis Darnell was a native of Carthage, Texas. He was born September 30, 1923 to Gordon Edgar and Julia Cooper Darnell. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1940, and continued his education at the University of Texas in Austin.

Darnell was later drafted into the Army and sent to Texas A&M University for special training. He then travelled from College Station to the European theatre where he served with the 104th infantry division. Sergeant Darnell was a decorated combat veteran who was awarded the bronze star, as well as the Purple Heart for wounds received in action on April 23, 1945.

Following his discharge from the Army in 1945, Darnell returned home to Carthage, Texas. In 1947 he married Evelyn Harwood of Dangerfield, Texas. Later that same year Darnell, along with his father and brother, started the Darnell Lumber Company, Inc. They operated the business together from 1947 until 1979.

Gordon and Evelyn Darnell were married for 59 years. They had two children, Karen Ann Darnell and Gordon Andrew “Drew” Darnell. Mr. Darnell was a lifetime member of Central Baptist Church, an avid golfer, and a member of several civic organizations including the Carthage Rotary Club and the Masons.

The Gordon Louis Darnell Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually. The selection of the recipients will be made in the spring each year.