John Thomas Lankford

He was 59 years old. John was a lifetime resident of the Peninsula area, living his entire life between Newport News and Hampton. Born in Newport News, he began working at VEPCO in 1969 and then transitioned over to Virginia Natural Gas when the company divided the electric and gas utilities. Although he was with VNG for 30 years, John had always wanted to roam the open roads. When an opportunity presented itself, John left VNG to pursue his lifetime ambition of being an over-the-road truck driver. Although this was a major risk at this point in John's career and life, driving on the open road was John's true passion and he drove for 10 years before illness left him unable to work in September 2009. The last trucking company he was with was 2 Perry's Inc, based in Chesapeake, Va.

John is survived by his son, Adam T. Lankford of Hampton, Va. Adam was the true 'apple of John's eye' and was his primary caregiver until his passing. Everything John did in life was in some way for Adam. John also leaves behind his sister, Pat Johnson of Essex Junction, Vt. Pat also played an important role in John's last months, often traveling from Vermont to assist in his care and comfort. Her prayers and companionship to him were very instrumental in his last days. She and Adam both were with John when he passed. John is also survived by his brother in law, Jim Johnson of Essex Junction, Vt.; his two nephews, Matthew and Travis Johnson of Essex Junction, Vt.; his niece, Denise Brown Robinson of Anchorage, Alaska; his great nephews, Noah Robinson and Benjamin Johnson; and his great niece, Abigail Johnson. John is also survived by several cousins. Although she is an extended family member, Mary Lane also was an influential person in John's life, especially after his illness, as she often comforted and cared for him at various times as though John was her own son. One of John's favorite meals was Mary's home cooked ribs and rice.

John was preceded in death by his father, John S. Lankford and his sister, Belinda Lankford Brown.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Parklawn Wood Funeral Home at 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, Va. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2010, with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m. and interment to follow at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the March of Dimes, a favorite charity of John's.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.