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John P. Danko, 76, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2018 at his home, of an apparent heart attack.

John was the first of five boys born to John and Helen Danko of Pocahontas, VA. John and his brothers were known throughout Southwest Virginia for their athleticism, especially on the football field. John served as an altar boy in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church his entire youth. After moving to Tennessee, he and his family attended St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Kingsport. John graduated with a Bachelor of Science from ETSU. After graduation, John completed Marine Corps Officer Training School in Quantico, VA, and additional Marine Corps Training for the Marine Corps Special Forces. From 1967-68, John served his first tour in Viet Nam as part of Force Reconnaissance. Returning to Viet Nam in 1969 with the rank of Captain, he served as an advisor to the Vietnamese Army. After returning home he was a Company Commander of the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base. After eleven years active duty, John resigned his commission, serving his last 9 years with the Army National Guard. John received numerous medals and accommodations including a Bronze Star and The Iron Mike Award for Outstanding Leadership. After moving to Tennessee, John earned a Master of Education degree and worked for the Hawkins County Board of Education. John was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he especially enjoyed gardening. John very much cherished his family and friendships.

Preceding John in death are his parents; his brothers Edward and Daniel; and his in laws, Herschel and Virginia Woods.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Ina Danko; daughters Veronica and Ericka, and son John Paul; granddaughter, Ava Vellines; grandsons, Edgar and Paul Danko, and Ziggy and Axel Bayer; daughter in law, Amanda-Ray Danko; son in law, Samuel Bayer; brothers Michael Danko and Donald Danko; sisters in law, Patty Danko, Linda T. Danko, Landi Danko, Linda Danko, Helen Rutledge, Sherry Buxton and Carol Woods; brothers in law, John Woods and Don Buxton; numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many special friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2018 from 6pm-8pm at Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home, Church Hill, TN. A service will follow with Father Bart officiating.

Internment will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 10:00am at Mountain Home National Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Hawkins County Color Guard with folding and presenting of the flag by members of the United States Marine Corps. Those wishing to attend the graveside services are asked to meet at the funeral home by 9:00 AM Thursday morning to go in procession to the cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Jerry Walters, Louie Leamon, John Brooks, Don Buxton, Ken Prohlich and Ron Lane. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Patterson, Paul Morrison, Tom Lovoy, Roddy Miller, Bill Larkin, Conley Bailey, Jerry Lifford, Benny Francisco, David Balthroupe and Church Hill Public Works.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

To leave an online message for the Danko family, please contact us @www.johnsonarrowood.com

Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home of Church Hill is honored to serve the Danko family.