Christine was my aunt. I saw her quite a bit when I was a child, but very rarely after that. I remember her as a quiet, suffering individual who led a hard life like most other women of her time with alcoholic husbands. Yet she was always cheerful and pleasant when she conversed with me. I remember that Christine suffered from some form of mental illness and liked to tell me and others about having served in the military during World War II and about how she had somehow managed to acquire over a million dollars during that time, which she had safely deposited in Italian banks. She was constantly frustrated because she couldn't figure out how to get back to Italy to claim her money. Of course, her story was all fantasy, but she really believed it.
Danny, as a child, didn't get along with his father Herb. Having had an alcoholic father myself, I can understand why. One day, when Danny was 16 years old, the circus came to town. When the circus left town a few days later, Danny quietly went with them. Running away from home to join the circus may sound like a cliche but it really happened. Danny never came back, except for a couple of visits long after he had become an adult and had a family.
Eventually, Danny settled around Phoenix, Arizona, married more than once, had two children, and in the end, died there. His obituary appeared in the 21 April 2005 "The Arizona Republic" and read, in part, "Daniel Lawrence Cokonougher, born August 25,1944 passed away April 18, 2005. He was born in Washington Court House, Ohio. Survived by Son Steven Cokonougher, Daughter Shannon Summerville, Stepdaughter Robin Plumer, Stepdaughter Sandy McKee and 6 Grandchildren. Retired Teamster from ABF after 30yrs of service. Kind and gentle soul that loved his family and friends as One. Service to be held Saturday, April 23,2005 at 3pm Chapel of the Chimes Located at 7924 N 59th Ave. Reception to follow ..."
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