John William Lightning

John was born on November 13, 1951, in Guthrie, Kentucky, to Newt Lightning, Sr. and Estella Thomas Lightning . He graduated from Todd County Central High School in May 1969 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1970, beginning a military career that would span 22 years and 27 days. He entered service as a Materiel Facilities Supervisor and retired on March 1, 1992, as an Air Traffic Controller, having attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

His service carried him around the world, including tours during the Vietnam War and assignments in South Korea and Germany. He was recognized throughout his career for exceptional leadership, including selection as the 1987 Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and commendation for outstanding performance as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge on the Korean Peninsula. His decorations include the Secretary of Defense Meritorious Service Medal, awarded for his service with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Retirement from the Air Force marked not an end to his service but a new chapter. John earned his Associate Degree in Computer Programming and went on to serve with the United States Postal Service, the United States Army Reserve Command, and Forces Command Headquarters at Fort McPherson, Georgia, where he spent nearly 20 years as a dedicated civil servant. His work there was honored with the Department of the Army Superior Civilian Service Award, among other recognitions.

John was a longtime member of Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church. A passionate advocate for those who served alongside him, he faithfully supported the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the USO, the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

In 1977, John married Janice ReShae, and together they welcomed two daughters, Kristal in 1982 and Jasmine in 1987. Though their marriage later ended, John and Janice remained friends and united in their love for their girls. His daughters were the center of his world, and he raised them with the same steady hand and discipline that defined his service. In later years he found his greatest joy in being a grandfather to Jhett, Jorja, and Dahlia.

Those who knew John will remember his quiet strength and steady presence, his quick wit, his perfectly well-done steaks, his love of fishing, the green thumb that filled his garden with roses, tomatoes, and green beans, and, as his family will fondly attest, his talent for counting money.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Newt Lightning, Sr. and Estella Thomas Lightning. He is survived by his daughters, Kristal Lightning Peoples and Jasmine Lightning Meeks; his sons-in-law, Desmond and Jonathan; the mother of his children, Janice ReShae; his grandchildren, Jhett, Jorja, and Dahlia; his siblings, Mary, Stella, Barbara, Newt Jr., Elizabeth and James; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles; and his beloved cat, Gizmo.