Justin Wade Marcinko

Justin Wade Marcinko, 42, of Covington, IN, died on February 5, 2021, after struggling for many years with PTSD and addiction. He was born on March 28, 1978, in Danville, IL, to Chuck and Betsy {Parkhurst} Marcinko. Justin is survived by his sons, Levin Marcinko of Covington, IN, and Aiden Marcinko of Attica, IN; his parents, Betsy (Larry) McKee of Covington and Chuck (Pat) Marcinko of South Dakota; his sisters, Rachel Marcinko & Molly McKee; and his brothers, Tristan McKee, Shawn Manion, & Jace Manion. He was known as "Funcle" to his special nephews, Eli Trahan & Zaydin Marcinko; and uncle to Kerstin Marcinko, Jasmine Simmons, Jaden Simmons, & TJ Jefferson. He is also survived by his aunts, Bonnye (Gary) Matherly & Sarah (Charles) Savatteri; his uncles, Andy (Sarabeth) Marcinko & Doug (Tina) Marcinko; his former wife, Jessica Crain; several cousins & many friends. He truly had a Band of Brothers with his fellow Rakkasans and special bonds with Tyler LaRocque & Roy Espinoza. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Albert & Norma {Asbury} Parkhurst and paternal grandparents, John & Betty {Williams} Marcinko. Justin was raised in Covington, IN, by his mother, Betsy McKee, and father of the heart, Larry McKee. He graduated from Covington High School in 1996. He served in the United States Army with 101st Airborne for 5 years attaining rank of Sergeant, deploying twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. He was proud to serve with the Rakkasans. Other than raising his sons, his proudest accomplishment was his military service to our Country. He had worked at various construction jobs and most recently at the VA Illiana Healthcare System. Justins sons were the pride and joy of his life. He dearly loved spending time with Levin & Aiden, watching their ballgames, teaching them to play sports "the right way", watching football, riding roller coasters, and just hanging out. He was a loving father, and you could see the joy on his face anytime he was with his sons. Some of his favorite times were helping coach his sons and nephews ball teams. All of the wonderful blessings that he had, talent, friendships, positive outlook on life, and most importantly, family, were often sidelined in recent years by his battle with PTSD and his decision to quiet the demons by using drugs. Even his love for his family and our love for him, and his many attempts at treatment could not keep the demons at bay. In the end, the agony he lived with daily ended his life much too soon. We will never be able to understand the sadness and demons that he dealt with every hour of every day but will love him forever. May you go in peace, Justin. You are now with your Heavenly Father and your tired and relentless struggle is over. You were a wonderful son and father who fought a hard battle, and we are proud of you. The best way to honor Justin is to seek help if you are struggling with PTSD or an addiction of any kind. PTSD and addiction doesnt discriminate; it will take hold and destroy anyone in its path including the families and people who love them. If you know someone who is struggling, reach out and be a lifeline. Memorials may be given in Justins name to his sons, Levin & Aiden, for their future education, donations may be made to Elizabeth McKee and dropped off at Old National Bank or at the funeral home. Or memorials may be given in his name to Mission K9 Warrior Program, 106 E. West ST, Georgetown, IL 61846, or at www.amlegion203il.org. A visitation will be held 10:00am to 1:00pm (EST), Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Covington, Indiana 420 3rd St. Covington, Indiana 47932. It is kindly requested that face masks be worn, and social distancing is practiced by those in attendance of the visitation and or service. Private family service will be held. He will be laid to rest in Danville National Cemetery. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos, & videos through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.