Jack Albert Danner
December 23, 1918 - July 27, 2008
Obituary
Jack Albert Danner, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 27, 2008. Jack was born December 23, 1918in LaCygne, Kansas. His dad, Oliver was a butcher and County Commissioner who died in 1941; his mom, Mary took in borders and cooked for everyone; his older sister, Mildred was a nurse. He was Captain and quarterback of his high school football team and sang lead in the musicals. Jack worked his way through college at Emporia Kansas as a soda jerk and by playing his trumpet at various dances in the ‘dry’ state of Kansas as well as Missouri. He graduated with a major in Math, and a minor in Physics. After college he came to Washington State and hired on at Todd Shipyards to help the war effort. He often played in dance bands after work. It was here he met June. They married in 1943. Jack fit well into June’s family who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Jack was hired at Boeing in 1946. In 1949 they moved to Beacon Hill. While living there they were blessed with two children, Mary and Tom. The family moved to Burien in 1958. In 1960 Jack was sent to Cape Canaveral for 18 months. Much of his work was top secret, but the family spent much time exploring Florida top to bottom. In 1963-4 back in Burien, Jack built a 19′ cabin cruiser starting in his garage. He used it to fish and take the family on vacations around Puget Sound and the Canadian Gulf Islands. He was active in the Poverty Bay Power Squadron. Jack never let the fact that he hadn’t done something stop him from learning how. He enjoyed woodworking, home remodeling, winemaking and photography.
When he was laid off from Boeing in the early 70s Jack got his real estate license. Then as the housing market stalled he went into business as a freight auditor. Boeing started hiring again and Jack went back. He worked mostly on the Kent Change board. After retiring from Boeing Jack and June made several trips to Alaska and one trip to the East coast in their HiLo trailer. They developed a habit of snowbirding to southern California in late winter. They enjoyed their grandchildren and supported their children. Jack rediscovered fly tying and fishing and was active in Trout Unlimited.
Back to his first love of music, Jack has most recently been known as ‘the trumpet player for the Hanky Pankies’ – a small combo led by Maxine Hankins that entertains in Senior centers.
Jack is survived by his wife of 65 years, Velma June Danner; Daughter, Mary E. Cox Roger; son, Thomas Orin Danner Beth; grandchildren, Jason O. DannerErin, Andrew S. Cox, Rachel A. Danner , Bethany A. Cox, Sara E. Danner; great-grandchildren, Cobi O. Danner and Carson R. Danner. At Jack’s request, no services will be held.
June and family; We are very sorry to hear about Jack. We use to see him often at dances with Milt and Ed. It has been awhile since we have seen you. Ethel had a stroke in 2003 so we now live in Judson Park. 206 878-6400. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Ethel and Bob