John Bangs, 80, passed away on September 1, 2026, in Greenville, Texas, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. Born to Ralph and Elda Bangs on April 28, 1946, in Allamuchy, New Jersey, John was the youngest of 12 children. Upon graduating from Titusville High School in 1964, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served from 1966–1973. As part of his service, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, after basic training. He proudly served as the crew chief on a C-130 delivering supplies in and out of Vietnam. A lifelong patriot, John remained devoted to his fellow veterans and was active in the VFW in both Pennsylvania and Texas. John was a talented craftsman and perfectionist who eventually turned his skills into his own business, John's Upholstery. He believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right. John shared 50 years of marriage with his beloved wife, the former Beverly Taylor. Their story fittingly began on a dance floor, and John never stopped loving to dance. He enjoyed Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Eagles, a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon, fishing, gardening, bonfires, telling stories, and conversations about UFOs and the mysteries of the universe. He was the life of the party, loved to laugh, and rarely met a stranger. Above all, John loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father to his daughters, Jill and Nikki, and a loving grandfather to Lily, Lauren, and Ethan, who brought tremendous joy to his life. John is survived by his wife, Beverly; his daughters, Jill and Nikki; his grandchildren, Lily, Lauren, and Ethan; his sisters, Pat Stiffler and Margie Jackson; his brother-in-law, Joe Taylor and his wife, Connie; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, fellow veterans, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; nine of his siblings; and beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews who passed before him. John will be remembered as a gentle soul, husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. Most of all, he will be remembered for how deeply he loved his family and how fully he enjoyed life. His memory will live on in the stories we tell, the songs that make us dance, and every gathering where his laughter and love are deeply missed. A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Lynch Funeral Service in Greenville, Texas. John will be honored with full military honors in recognition of his proud and dedicated service in the United States Air Force. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's honor to the Fisher House Foundation, supporting veterans and military families, or the V Foundation for Cancer Research, supporting lifesaving cancer research.