Joseph M. Stanko, Jr. born June 24, 1938 in Struthers, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 19, 2020. Pre-deceased by his father, Joseph M. Stanko Sr., and mother, Anne Stanko.  Survived by his loving wife Jan Stanko and children Chris Stanko and Karen Golden and grandchildren Stephen and Christian Stanko and Emily and Sarah Golden, and Sister Marianne (Joe) Less, along with numerous cousins.

After a long and rewarding career with IBM that took Joe and his family to many different states and positions, Joe and Jan retired to Seagrove Beach 25 years ago, where he became involved in many different organizations and interests in the local community.

He was an active judge with the Kansas City Barbeque Society, founding member of the Walton County Sheriff's Posse, Coordinator of the Experimental Aircraft Association Tri-County Young Eagles Program, founding member of the Sherlock Holmes Society Beach Hounds group, and a member of the Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Patient and Family Advisory Council. In addition, Joe and Jan ran a Stroke Support Group at Sacred Heart for five years following his recovery from a massive stroke eleven years ago.

Joe was a special man who loved to tell stories and lived a full and rich life. He was deeply committed to his family, friends, and community.

Honorary pall bearers include: Stephen Stanko, Christian Stanko, Sam Borden, Danny Garner, Steve Junker, Joe Mustachio, Chick Smith, and Danny Smith.

In lieu of flowers, Joe has requested that donations be made in his name to either Walton County Sheriff's Posse, checks should be made out to: WCSO Sheriff's Posse; Memo line: Joe Stanko Posse. Mail to:  Walton County Sheriff's Office 752 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433, or the Experimental Aircraft Association Tri-County Young Eagles Chapter, checks should be made out to:  EAA Chapter 1464; Memo line: Young Eagles in memory of Joe Stanko. Send to: EAA Chapter 1464 C/O Sally Ferland, Treasurer, 7645 Glen Cove Lane, Southport, FL 32409.