John Edward Danks

OKEECHOBEE - John (Jack) Edward Danks passed away Sunday, June 21, 2015, while in the hospital in Okeechobee. He was born to John and Elizabeth Danks on July 31, 1923, in Pigeon, Mich. On March 2, 1945, he married Katherine M. Edwards. They were members of Cross Lutheran Church. During WWII he volunteered to serve his country. He became a flight engineer and top turret gunner on B-17 and B-24 bombers, completing 30 combat missions over Europe. His name is included on the Wall of Honor at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Okeechobee. They moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where he operated his own home improvement business. During this time he was also employed by the Saginaw Housing Commission, where he later became Superintendent of Maintenance, retiring in 1981. Later they moved to Okeechobee, where he became a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The Pastor and "church family" made him feel welcome. He was one of the first to sign up for the Sheriff Department "COP" program and enjoyed participating as much as possible. He loved his town and had many friends and acquaintances. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Katherine; daughter, Debra; granddaughter, Gayle Gabor; Donna and Harvey Weiss; Raymond and Stella Danks; Roland and Mildred Danks; Robert Danks; Wellington Edwards and Evan Jickling. John is survived by his children; David Danks of Mich., Kay Ann (Carl) Skowronski of Fla., Mary Gabor (Bobby) of Fla., Michael (Patricia) Danks of Idaho; grandchildren, Matthew (Susan) Skowronski, Scott Gabor, Rachal (David) Ramirez, Micah (Jessica) Skowronski, Jared (Kimberly) Danks, John Paul Gabor and Ryan (Veronica) Gabor; great-grandchildren; Shawn, Nicole (Louis), Ashley, Scott, Matthew, Christopher, Sarah, Rhylee, Alexandra, Skyelynn, Jacob, Gabriel, Ryan, Riley, Payton, Victoria, Dylan, Jordan, Katherine, Jezalyn and Mildred; great-great-granddaughter, Autumn; in-laws; Roberta Danks, Frankie Jickling, Margaret and Tom Case of Mich.; many nieces and nephews; special people, Jean Gruszczynski; Army buddy, David Tuckwiller and family; Teresa and daughters Bethany and Jaelyn; Larry Gabor; and last but not least, his loyal doggie, Sammy. A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 2, 2015, at 1:30 PM at the American Legion Post 64 Hall, Okeechobee, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your charity of choice or in honor of John Danks to The Collings Foundation, P.O. Box 248, Stow, MA 01775 which will place John's name on the last flying B24. In the future the plane will be placed into the Smithsonian Museum. He lived a long life for which we are grateful. Both of our parents are gone now, but they will remain in our thoughts and hearts forever. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Buxton, Bass and Conway families of Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 N. Parrott Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34972