David Roy Banta, of Westminster

Published 10:13 am Thursday, October 27, 2016

April 26, 1928 — Oct. 16, 2016

David Roy “Dave” Banta, 88, of Westminster, Maryland, was reunited in heaven with his wife of 68 years, Virginia “Gini,” on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016.
Born in Chicago on April 26, 1928, he was the son of the late Theodore and Lillian (Rhinehart) Banta.
He was a beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, great-uncle and friend to many.
Dave led his life filled with encouragement and compassion, which extended to all with whom he came in contact. His love of family and fatherhood served as an example for all to follow.
An avid reader, he shared his love of books with his best friend and companion, Gini, the love of his life. He used his skills and love of woodworking to create grandkids’ toys, cabinets and built-in bookcases, among many other items, and thoroughly enjoyed landscaping and yardwork. Another joyful hobby was his model trains, and participating in the Train Club at Carroll Lutheran Village (CLV).

David Banta

A man of the outdoors, “Bapa,” as he was adoringly called by his eight grandchildren, excelled at many sports, including hockey, football, snow skiing, swimming and running, and stayed fit well into his 80s. A coach to all ages, he loved coaching his sons and watching his grandchildren play on their various sport teams. His grandchildren enjoyed the warmth of his smile and delighted with his great story telling and closing laughter.
Dave served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953 after graduating from Vermont University. He then started work with International Harvester in Illinois and met Gini on a blind date arranged by his lifelong friend, Chuck Anderson.
After marriage, he joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. This work took him to many locations throughout Indiana as he moved up through leadership ranks, subsequently landing at the national office in Washington, D.C., in 1969. After retiring from his governmental work, he and Gini built their dream house on Smith Mountain Lake near Moneta, Virginia, with the help of their four sons. While there, he served as a volunteer firefighter for the Saunders Volunteer Fire Department for almost two decades.
He and Gini agreed to retire again and moved to CLV in Westminster in 2005. Dave took advantage of the activities and groups at CLV with those already mentioned, as well as the Men’s Club and their trips to area events and locations. He also supported and assisted his wife’s dedication to the CLV library and the many social activities at CLV. Dave and Gini enjoyed worshiping and serving at the Krug Chapel and with Chaplain Jimmie.
Survivors include his four sons and daughters-in-law, Timothy (Susan) Charles of Charlotte, North Carolina, Mark (Tammy) David of Ellicott City, Maryland, Michael (Kimberly) Alan of Phoenix and David (Karen) Leonard of Timonium, Maryland; and eight grandchildren, Emily (Charles Drew) Stanley of Westminster, Colorado, Sean of Moscow, Matt and Ryan, both of Ellicott City, Kerry of Flagstaff, Arizona, Rachel of Phoenix, Elizabeth of Washington, D.C., and James David of Timonium. Dave also had nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends who celebrated their life accomplishments with him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a stepmother, Esther; one sister, Jane; and his beloved wife, Gini.
A celebration of life will be Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at Carroll Lutheran Village, with the Rev. Jimmie Swartz presiding. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a service following at noon.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Dave’s honor through CLV to support the Resident Assistance Fund, continuing his desire to provide for his friends there. Donations may be made to the Office of Philanthropy, Resident Assistance Fund, Carroll Lutheran Village, 300 St. Luke Circle, Westminster, MD 21158.
Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services, P.A. in Westminster is handling arrangements for the family.
A private funeral and internment will be in Dowagiac in late spring 2017.