John Robert “Bob” Danko, 75, died on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at St. Vincent Memorial Hospital, Evansville, Indiana. Born on August 20, 1943 in Taylorville, Bob was the son of John and Wanda (Allison) Danko. He graduated from Taylorville High School and married his sweetheart, Helen Corene Smith, on November 29, 1963 at the First United Methodist church in Taylorville, and she preceded him in death on August 9, 2013. After their marriage, Bob attended SIU and received his bachelor’s degree. He enjoyed a lifelong career of over 30 years with Peabody Coal Company. He began at age 18 at Mine #10, working as a 3rd shift maintenance repairman and eventually advanced his career to the level of General Superintendent. After retiring from Peabody Coal, he began a career with HR Solutions in Evansville, IN as a VP of Executive Recruiting. Bob was a life member of the NRA, a member of the Taylorville Underwater Search & Rescue, President and acting board member of the National Mine Rescue Association, and he was a founding board member for the Taylorville YMCA. Bob was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Newburgh, Indiana.
Bob is survived by his two sons: Kirk (wife, Beth) Danko of Maryville, MO, Troy (wife, Julie) Danko of Parker, TX; four grandchildren: Logan Danko of Johnstown, PA, Morgan (husband, Jason) Crall of Albia, Iowa, Justin (fiancée, Kourtney Krumm) Danko of Oshkosh, WI; Megan Danko of Parker, TX; one great grandson: Jack Michael Crall; sister: Linda (Rev. Tom) Bellegante of Taylorville; sister-in-law: Joanne (husband, Chuck) Garner of Taylorville; sister-in-law: Betty (husband,Dave) Smith of Huntsville,AL; and dear friend Sandy Kramer of Newburgh, IN.
Along with his loving wife, Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law: David Smith of Hutsville, AL.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 8, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church, Taylorville, with Reverend Bob Cook & Reverend Tom Bellegante officiating. Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, at McClure Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made in his honor to the Taylorville YMCA or the First United Methodist Church. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories of Bob, or condolences to his family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
