SGM (Ret) Danny VanAllen

Sergeant Major (Ret) Danny Lynn VanAllen, age 58, of Clarksville, TN passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Jacob Dio officiating.

Burial and Full US Military Honors will follow at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service at the church.

Danny entered this life on April 2, 1966, in Watertown, New York to Lynn VanAllen and Ruth Alberry Hall. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. As a veteran of the United States Army and a proud member of the Special Forces 5th Group (Airborne), Danny embodied the values of service and dedication. He served his country in significant operations such as Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Danny had many significant military accomplishments, but he was most proud of serving as the Team Sergeant of ODA 532, and Company Sergeant Major of Charlie Company 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group. His military career instilled a profound sense of discipline and camaraderie that carried into his personal life, where he cherished the bonds, he formed with friends and family. He enjoyed traveling, relishing the opportunity to explore new places, and embracing the beauty of nature. Being outdoors was not just a pastime for him; it was a passion he shared with loved ones, creating memories that would last a lifetime. He also had a love for outdoor sports, such as hiking and skiing. Danny worked as a contractor for Blackbird, but his greatest joy came from his role as a dad and a "pops" to his family. He poured his heart and soul into parenting, always striving to provide his children with guidance, support, and boundless affection. To them, he was not just a father but also a mentor and a friend who instilled values that would help shape their futures. 

In addition to his mother, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Teresa J. VanAllen.

In addition to his father, survivors include his wife, Tara Watson VanAllen; son, Joshua Daniel VanAllen (Haley Rená Dickison); daughter, Jessica McLamb Sneed (Ryan Sneed); grandchildren, Hutson Sneed, Carolina Sneed; sister, Dawn Nimmo, and her husband, Danny’s B.I.L, Shawn Nimmo; niece, MaKayla Nimmo; nephew, Blake Nimmo; mother-in-law, Barbara Johnson; mother and father-in-law, Dwight and Margie Watson; sisters in law, Staci (Rodney) Wilson and Misti Watson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Special Forces Association Local 38 online at SFA38.org

Pallbearers will be Travis Rolph, Mario Vigil, Jeff Kula, Al Vaillencourt, Eric Stone, and Doug Overdeer.

Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com