Mr. John Alden Danley, 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 28, 2025, quietly surrounded by his wife and family members as he whispered his last words to everyone, "I Love You".  John was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

John or Mr. D, as he was lovingly known as, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 31, 1941, to parents John Alden Danley, Sr. and Amelia Louise Aldrighetti. He was the eldest of three children.  As a child, John and his family moved throughout the country living in the East Coast, West Coast and Middle America.  He attended 18 different elementary, middle and high schools before graduating.  After graduation, John joined the military in 1964 and was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  From there he did tours in Vietnam, South America and was stationed in Indiana and Texas.  John retired as a Captain in 1979 after 15 years of active-duty service.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, RVN Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1st OLC), RVN Cross of Gallantry, Missileman Badge, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Presidential Unit Citation.  Upon his retirement from active duty, he joined the National Guard and eventually retired from Fort Bliss, Texas as a Major.  After his military service, John became an industrial salesman for numerous companies covering the El Paso Region.

John's love for his children was evident as he was a constant in their lives.  It was not unusual to find him at Assumption Catholic Church in El Paso when his kids were younger.  He volunteered for many hours doing maintenance, cutting grass and even calling bingo on Friday nights.  He and his son John would wake up early every Saturday morning and cut their own grass, both sets of grandparents' grass and the church grass.  He often said he never wanted to see another lawn mower again.  John also made sure that both his children attended catholic school until graduation.  He said he turned down numerous military promotions, including The Pentagon, so his children would not have to move around the country attending different schools like he did.  John loved to barbecue and experiment with preparing different foods, as well as taking hikes in McKittrick Canyon and long walks on a Sunday evening.  Diana and John were his pride and joy.
In 2002, John met Ramona Klineman in Las Cruces, New Mexico at a gun show.  He knew at that time he had found his partner for life.  The only problem was trying to convince Ramona.  John and Ramona eventually married in 2003 and settled in Las Cruces.  They purchased numerous fifth wheels, Jeeps, and RVs to see the country in their retirement years.  They traveled all over, taking their cats Stinky and Boo on their journey, visiting family and friends along the way.  He truly loved his Jeeps and all the friends that he met while out four-wheeling, especially in Moab, Utah.  John was a lover of history and wanted to see as much of this country as he possibly could.

In his later years, John loved providing for his family and friends.  His favorite time was when he was with his grandchildren either during the holidays, or at dinner or just a Saturday morning visit.  He loved ordering off Amazon and his favorite Eggs Benedict from Door Dash.  He and Ramona never missed an episode of The Curse of Oak Island on television, hoping to eventually see some type of found treasure.  He was always known to be generous and a true gentleman.  He never had a bad word for anyone and surprised many when he would speak to them in Spanish.  John was a 100% disabled veteran due to his time in Vietnam and his contact with Agent Orange.  He had health issues throughout his life because of it but he never let it slow him down.

John is survived by his wife, Ramona Danley, his son John Danley (Susan) and his stepson Steve Klineman (Kathyrn).  His daughter, Diana Sue de Santos (Frank), preceded him in death in 2018.
He is also survived by his son-in-law Frank de Santos III (Djuana) and his grandchildren Patrick Klineman (Dina), Francisco de Santos, Richard Danley, Ashley Morrison, Mary Therese de Santos, Augusta Danley, Gabriela de Santos, John Paul Danley, Sean Morrison (Emma), Francis Danley and Tyler Morrison.  His great-grandchildren are Taya Klineman, Niko Klineman and Ayla Joy Morrison.  John is also survived by his brother, Retired Colonel David Danley (Marianne) and his sister Dr. Anne Danley Scott, as well as his best friend and "brother" Paul Farmer (Paula).

A visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Baca's Funeral Home 300 East Boutz Road, Las Cruces, New Mexico. A Funeral Liturgy will begin at 6:00pm with military honors. Cremation has already taken place

A separate prayer vigil will begin at 10am with a memorial mass to follow on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church at 4801 Bryon St. El Paso, Texas.