John Dell Danley

John Dell Danley, 80, of OKC passed from this life on February 23, 2017 with his loving family by his side. Services have been entrusted to there care of Advantage Funeral Service and a celebration of John’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 28th at the Southmoore Baptist Church with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Norman. Public visitation will be held on Monday from 10am to 8pm with the family greeting friends at the funeral home from 6pm to 8pm on Monday evening.

John Danley was born on July 10, 1936 in Norman, OK to Emory and Laura (O’Dell) Danley. He was raised in Norman and graduated with the Norman High School Class of 1953. In 1954, John joined the US Marine Corp and headed for basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA. While in the Marine Corp John played for the USMC football team and the highlight of his time there was getting to play against the San Diego Chargers. John served overseas as a radio operator at Mt. Fuji, Japan before being honorably discharged and returning to Oklahoma in 1971.

John spent a few years working as a firefighter for the City of Norman before accepting a position as a press operator for Norrick Bros Publishers. During a trip to OKC’s Spring Lake in 1961, John met Betty Louise Driver and in 1963 he convinced her to be his bride. John and Betty spent the next 53 years together and were blessed with three wonderful children: Annette, Lori and Curtis Paul Danley.

In the mid 1960’s Betty answered a call to ministry and the family relocated to California where John spent three years working in asset location for a local bank. Upon their return to Oklahoma John began a long career in HVAC repair and sales, much of which was spent working for Strickland’s in OKC. In the early 1990’s John opened HVAC Design, a successful company specializing in the intricate design of commercial and residential systems. He was blessed to be able to continue working in a career he was passionate about until shortly before his passing.

Anyone who knew John well knew that the two most important priorities in his life were his faith in Christ and his love for his family. In the early 1970’s he began leading worship at his local church. Over the next few decades he led worship at Sinclair, Blue Lakes, and Unity Southern Baptist, and most recently serving at Southmoore Baptist Church. He also volunteered as a youth sponsor, Sunday school teacher, and a vacation bible school volunteer .The Danley’s also had a puppet ministry, a children’s shelter food ministry, and a backyard bible school class at their home. John was a loyal and loving husband who truly lived to love and serve his bride and best friend Betty. He was her partner, her protector, and her gas pumper. John was also a dedicated and proud father who taught his kids the value of humility, the freedom in forgiveness, and the power of unconditional love.

During his free time John enjoyed watching and attending ballgames for his beloved Oklahoma Sooner’s, tending to his yard, and spending time with his wonderful grandchildren whom he loved very much. John Danley packed a tremendous amount of happy memories into his remarkable life and his legacy of selfless service to others will continue through the lives of those he leave behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two siblings: Beth Danley Dennis and Dick Danley. He is survived by his wife Betty Danley of the home; three children: Annette Romano and husband Mark of OKC, Lori Coker and fiancé Randall Gregory of Tulsa, and Curtis Paul Danley and wife Piper of Choctaw; a brother Robert Danley; 8 grandchildren: Emily Coker, Dalton Lott, Hannah Coker, Katie Romano, Dalton Coker, Claire Romano, Gavin Danley, and Gracie Romano; a great grandchild Karson Coker; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Kathy Dagg and the nurses and staff at both Integris Hospice and the Integris Hospice House for the kindness and care they showed John during his illness.

Memorial donations may be made in John’s name to the Southmoore Baptist Church Building Fund. 3801 S Broadway St, Moore, OK 73160

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guest book at www.advantageokc.com. Arrangements under the direction of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services -South Chapel, Oklahoma City, OK.