VFW POST 4301

07/20/2026

R.I.P. Justin Allen 23, Brett Linley 29, Matthew Weikert 29, Justus Bartett 27, Dave Santos 21, Jesse Reed 26, Matthew Johnson 21, Zachary Fisher 24, Brandon King 23, Christopher Goeke 23, and Sheldon Tate 27.... All are Marines who gave their lives this week for us ....for our freedom! There's no media for them at all... not even a mention of their names. Please honor them by copying and pasting this post. R.I.P.
It is the least we can do. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

07/20/2026

07/17/2026

Calling All Eligible Veterans! Join Post 1 Today! Help us Make the Bureaucrats in DC Honor the Contract we all Signed! When we Agreed to go to War for this Nation, we were given a promise, that our Country would take care of us when we came home! Join today Increase our ranks, amplify our voice. The VFW Holds the Line, WE DON'T BRAVO FOXTROT our Own!

Join the Largest Post in Colorado, and continue your service with us. Join our Family as we continue the Mission of Service to our Veteran Community in Denver Colorado

07/05/2026

Reposted. ATTENTION HONOR GUARD!!! TOMORROW, MONDAY, JULY 6TH, 2026, WE HAVE A REQUEST FOR MILITARY RITES FOR BOBBY “BOB” LANEY, 86, US ARMY, AT ESTES FUNERAL HOME (COEBURN) AT 1:00 PM. BE THERE BY 12:30 PM! IF YOU NEED A RIDE, BSG VFW WILL LEAVE THEIR POST BY 11:45 PM SHARP OR BE AT THE NORTON HARDEE’S BY 12:00 PM! BOB WAS A MEMBER OF COEBURN VFW AND WISE DAV!

Bobby Laney, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home. Born on March 15, 1948, Bobby honorably served his country in the United States Army and was proud of his military service. He was preceded in death by his father, Essie Paul Laney; his mother, Eirma Lois Laney (Baker); his brothers, Michael "Boo" Laney and Danny "Papoos" Laney; his son, Cain H. Laney; and his grandson, Cayden Laney. Bobby is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Janie Laney, of the home. He also leaves behind his sister, Carolyn Sue McCoy (Ed); his brother, David Eugene Laney; his children, Sherry Lynn Laney (Tommy) of Norton, Virginia, Bryan Laney of Michigan City, Indiana, and Melanie Marvel of Michigan City, Indiana; his stepchildren, Mark Calhaon (Mariann) of Wise, Virginia, and Brandie Wells of Clarksville, Tennessee. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and many other family members and friends who will cherish his memory. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Estes Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Kiser Officiating, with interment immediately afterward at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in Coeburn, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America in Bobby's honor. Estes Funeral Home is honored to serve the Laney family.

07/02/2026

07/02/2026

06/14/2026

ATTENTION HONOR GUARD!!! TOMORROW, MONDAY, JUNE 15TH, 2026, WE HAVE A REQUEST FOR MILITARY HONORS FOR JOHN LESTER GIBSON, 91, US AIR FORCE, AT THE POWELL VALLEY MEMORIAL GARDENS (BIG STONE GAP) AT 3:00 PM. IF YOU NEED A RIDE, COEBURN VFW WILL LEAVE THEIR POST BY 2:00 PM, THE NORTON HARDEE’S BY 2:15 PM, AND BSG VFW WILL LEAVE THEIR POST BY ?

Big Stone Gap, VA — John Lester "Johnny" Gibson, 91, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Holston Valley Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Johnny was born and raised in Stonega, Virginia, the son of the late Lester and Eva (Kinsler) Gibson. He had lived in Big Stone Gap since the late 1980s and spent his life rooted in faith, family, service, and hard work. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, both stateside and in North Africa. A true patriot, Johnny carried a deep love for his country throughout his life and was rarely seen without his U.S. Air Force Veteran hat, which he wore with pride. Following his military service, he worked as a machinist and mechanic at the Central Machine Shop with Westmoreland Coal Company and was a member of the U.M.W.A. Widely respected for his skill and knowledge, Johnny was a master mechanic who could fix nearly anything. He especially enjoyed restoring his cherished 1968 SS 396 Chevrolet Chevelle, a reflection of both his craftsmanship and passion for automobiles. While Johnny's accomplishments were many, his greatest legacy was the way he cared for others. He spent his life serving those around him with quiet humility, generosity, and an unwavering willingness to help whenever and wherever he was needed. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, JoAnn, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. Affectionately known as "Papaw G," he was a source of strength, wisdom, guidance, and unconditional love to generations of his family. His steady presence, gentle spirit, and dependable nature left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Johnny's unwavering Christian faith was the foundation of his life. He was an Elder and member of First Christian Church in Big Stone Gap since 1970, where he faithfully served as treasurer, taught Sunday School, participated in mission work, and sang in the church choir. His faith was not only evident in his service to the church, but in the way he carried himself each day—with integrity, compassion, humility, and grace. He was one of the toughest and most dependable men his family ever knew, yet his strength was always balanced by kindness and a servant's heart. In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, JoAnn Johnson Gibson; and two brothers, Don Gibson and Bobby Gibson. Surviving are his six children, Teresa Jervis (Kim Gentry), Kingsport, TN; Judith Riner (Paul Bellamy), Johnson City, TN; Jonnie Rines (Terry) and Mark Gibson (Donna), both of Big Stone Gap; Michael Gibson, Johnson City; and David Gibson (Kathryn), Knoxville, TN. Lovingly known as Papaw G by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is also survived by grandchildren, Randy Carter, Jr., Seth Jervis, Lauren Jervis, Clarke Riner, Chessi Riner, Carrah Riner, Amber Murdock, Jill Ashby, Jonathan Gibson, Chad Gibson, Kelsey Lukich, Haley Gibson, and Sofie Gibson; great-grand -children, Ian, Teagan, Tate, Maverick, Brooks, Greyson, Jude, Emerie, Kennedy, Jaxton, Annie, Quinn, Beau, Jett, Harrison, and Kennedy; brothers-in-law, Gary Johnson and Bobby Johnson; sister-in-law, Leisa Johnson; and a nephew, Brent Gibson. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will follow with Greg Townsend, Minister, officiating. Military graveside rites, by the Shaw A.F.B. Honors Team and local VFW and DAV posts, will be held at 3:00 PM Monday, June 15, 2026, at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 2:15 PM to go in procession to the cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Johnny Gibson.

06/09/2026

ATTENTION HONOR GUARD, EXTREMELY SHORT NOTICE!!! TOMORROW, WED., JUNE 10TH, 2026, WE HAVE A REQUEST FOR MILITARY RITES FOR ROBERT B. HOWARD, 83, US ARMY, AT THE POWELL VALLEY CEMETERY (DRYDEN) AT 11:30 AM. IF YOU NEED A RIDE, BSG VFW WILL BE LEAVING THEIR POST BY 10:30 AM, COEBURN VFW WILL NOT BE ATTENDING.

Robert B. Howard, 83, of Dryden, Virginia, passed away on June 1, 2026. Fondly known to all as Bob, he was born on March 29, 1943, to the late Ruby Lee and J.J. Howard. Growing up, Bob could often be found playing basketball, working on the farm, running a paper route, and working the family business. A proud veteran, Bob was drafted into the military in 1965. Following his honorable service to his country, he pursued higher education at Lincoln Memorial University to become a teacher. It was during his time in college that he met the love of his life, Louise. The two were married on June 5, 1970, and settled in Jonesville, Virginia, where they built their life together and raised their three children. As an educator, Bob touched many lives in the community, where he was affectionately known throughout the county as "The Computer Bus man." While he was happy with his career, Bob considered his life’s greatest achievement to be his family. He was an unwavering pillar of support for his children, always encouraging their goals and celebrating their successes. Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Louise; his parents and his brothers, Paul, Jim, and Bill Howard. He leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by his three children, Stacey (and Andrea), Robbie (and Debbie), and Brittany (and Daryl); his grandchildren, Charlotte Howard, Carter and Cameron Howard, and Coleton and Ella Diamond, as well as his sisters, Betty and Mary H. (Susie) Baker. He had several nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed as a devoted father, grand-father, and friend. Per Bob's wishes, a formal funeral service will not be held. A graveside service for family and loved ones will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Powell Valley Cemetery in Dryden, VA the local D.A.V. and V.F.W. will officiate the service at 11:30 a.m. those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. An online registry is available for the family at www.sturgillfuneralhome.com. Sturgill Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mullins-Sturgill Funeral Home | provides complete funeral services to the local community.