Darnell Roebuck's Obituary
Darnell "Buck" Roebuck
Darnell "Buck" Roebuck was fearless as he fought cancer. He won that battle. However the fight was too much for the rest of his body and he passed away on July 13, 2011 in Tacoma, WA, with loved ones at his side. Darnell was born April 28, 1950 in Pittsburgh, PA, to John & Dorothy Roebuck. The household was lively with eight children and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends nearby. As a child, Darnell loved books, which in turn fueled his desire for knowledge. He witnessed Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech "I have a dream" as a teenager. After high school, he attended Duquesne University where he played basketball and was a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He attended the University of Pittsburgh for his Masters degree Counseling. After teaching for a few years, he joined the army eventually becoming a nurse. Darnell was medically retired from the US Army after 17 years serving as a Non Commissioned Officer in the Medical Command. Completing his service nursing in the ICU department at Madigan Army Medical Center, where he passed. Darnell was a giving, gentle, giant. He took the time to help any friend or neighbor in need. He loved music, especially Old School and was blessed with a deep, velvety voice, which he shared with friends during karaoke. Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" was a favorite selection. His enthusiasm for reading continued through his life, he especially enjoyed a good western. Darnell was also quite artistic and at times, would draw with charcoals. Known as Buck to many, he was an impassioned Pittsburgh Steelers fan and wore their colors proudly. He was a member of the Black and Gold Express and the Pittsburgh Steeler Nation. Fishing, billiards and dominoes while spending time with friends were other passions. Mostly, he enjoyed his son. Darnell took pleasure in coaching his son's youth basketball teams and watching his practices and games in both football and basketball. Darnell was so very proud of the young man his son was becoming. Darnell is survived by his son and namesake, Darnell, his son's mother Lynne, daughter Nicole Fisher, his father & siblings of Pittsburgh Antoinette & husband Joe, Marla, Kenneth & wife Yvonne and Vera- nephews, nieces, cousins , friends , and beloved friend Mari Peterson. His mother, brother Cornell, brother Nate and sister Marcia predecease him. Special thanks to the physicians, healthcare professionals, and ancillary staff of Madigan Army Medical Center, The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for his treatment. Sincere thanks to Isaiah Finch for taking on the role of caregiver in support. Burial and military honors will take place at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies near Pittsburgh, PA. Odell Robinson Jr. Funeral Home of Pittsburgh to conduct funeral services. Celebration of Life service will be held at the Mountain View Funeral Home Aspen Chapel 4pm Friday the 29th of July. 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Darnell?
What’s a lesson you learned from Darnell?
Share a story where Darnell's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Darnell you’ll never forget.
How did Darnell make you smile?