JAMES “EDWARD” BANTA

GOLDEN CITY- Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church of Lockwood for James “Edward” Banta, 94, Golden City, who died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. Burial will follow in Round Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Lockwood.

Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com.

Services are under the care of Lockwood Funeral Chapel.

Survivors include his wife, Dorma Banta; two daughters, Debra Stefan and husband Paul and Kathy Kerr and husband JD; one son, Jerry Banta and wife Connie; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren: Brian Banta and wife Sarina and children, Brayden and Jesse: Jason Banta and wife Leslie and children, Thomas, Harmony, and Evan: Machelle Anderson and children, Jaxsyn and Bayler: Jayde Anderson: Mark Stefan: Doug Stefan and wife Megan and children, Cody, Gabe, and Levi: Leland Kerr and children, Elijah and Emry: Jared Kerr and wife Paige and child Colter and Nathan Kerr and wife Kennyn and child, Joel.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Banta and wife Marietta and his grandson, Tayler Anderson.

Mr. Banta was born March 28, 1928, in Dudenville, to Jim and Lela (White) Banta. He was the oldest of two sons.

He and his younger brother Kenneth were raised in the Red Oak community, where the family attended Red Oak Methodist Church. He was saved there at the age of 15. He graduated in 1947 from Lockwood High School where he had played basketball and football and made many lifelong friendships.

He married Dorma Bowles on Oct. 31, 1948, at Round Grove Baptist Church. They were married 74 years and one month. To this union, three children were born: Debra, Jerry and Kathryn.

Mr. Banta and wife Dorma began their life in the Lockwood community until he was drafted to the Korean War in 1952. He took his basic training at Fort Ord in California before being stationed at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska. There, he achieved the rank of Corporal, earning the Good Conduct Medal as he served in the 78th Tank Company 4th Infantry.

Upon returning home, the couple purchased the family farm near Golden City. He and their son, Jerry, milked cows, tended cattle and farmed together throughout his lifetime.

Mr. Banta enjoyed riding horses and taking trail rides. He and wife Dorma attended many parades with their team and wagon, where they were awarded many trophies. The team and wagon also entertained many children at the Baptist Hill Church Camp. For many years, his daily routine included riding his horses to check cattle.

Mr. Banta’s other favorite activities included playing pitch, bird hunting, helping others and sharing his infectious smile and hospitality.

In later years, he and wife Dorma enjoyed traveling on bus tours while making friends wherever they went. His greatest joy in life was his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lockwood, where he served as a deacon since 1989.