Karl Anthony Darnell

A soul larger than life itself was taken from us unexpectedly and way too soon. Karl Anthony Darnell, known affectionately to those that loved him as Buster, was born March 5, 1990 and left this earth to become an angel on August 23, 2026. Buster was born in Roswell, NM in the middle of the afternoon, as he could never quite make it anywhere on time and certainly not early! He entered this world larger than life at just under 9 pounds and lived his first two years in Roswell with his mother and father where he never met an alien he didn’t love. It was here that he began his love for swimming and the great outdoors that he maintained till the end. From day one he had a spirit of adventure and a curiosity that could not be contained. At age two, he was joined in his explorations by his younger brother, Floyd Alexander Cruz. The two became fast friends and partners in crime. They were seldom without one another, and right up till the end, Karl had the love and support of his brother with him. Throughout their youth they would splash and swim in the muds of the Gila river, ride bikes wherever a back path would take them, and share the secrets that only brothers can share. Alone Karl was unstoppable; together they were complete! Buster’s curious nature allowed him to appreciate the large trucks and stock car racing in eastern New Mexico. He played in the dirt of the Rio Grande and hunted arrowheads along the Rio Grand in Socorro, NM. He hiked and climbed the mountains of the Black Range in Silver City, NM. He ran and swam and excelled in all that he did throughout his younger years, eventually graduating in the top of his class from Rocky Ford High School in Colorado. Although his light was never diminished, a debilitating illness lead to years of struggle and isolation. Those of us closest to him saw and felt his pain as he grappled with the trials of life. Through it all, Buster never lost his witty sense of humor or his love of music. He maintained a heart larger than life, and a love of family that always shown through. He is proceeded in death by those that have gone before him and is survived by those of us that are still here to feel the loss. We are all better for having had you in our lives. You will be loved and missed. RIP Buster!

Karl Anthony Darnell

March 5, 1990 - August 23, 2026