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Donald Andrew Banta was born in Wetumka, Oklahoma on September 15, 1932. He peacefully departed this life on December 30, 2023, at Stroud Nursing Home in Stroud, Oklahoma.
Don was one of 7 children born to Joseph and Lelia Banta. He attended Wetumka Public Schools and graduated high school in 1950. After graduation, he began working on the pipeline, where he met his wife of 64 years, Paula, in Burrton, Kansas. The two were married on July 21, 1952, in Holdenville, Oklahoma. Shortly after, Don was drafted into the United States Army, where he served two years as a corporal in Fort Hood, Texas.
After his time in the service, they moved to Burrton, Kansas, where they owned the local newspaper for a short period. Around 1958, they relocated to Neodesha, Kansas, where they continued to grow their family. In 1970, The Banta family made their final home in Stroud, Oklahoma, where Don worked at the Stroud American Newspaper until his retirement.
During Don’s free time, he loved being involved in anything softball or baseball related. He spent many years coaching and umpiring. He loved attending any events for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don loved spending time camping and fishing, although he wasn’t the best at it. Don was well known in town as “the man in the overalls” who could be found walking up and down main street. He was also known to everyone as “Daddy” or “Gramps”.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lelia, wife, Paula, daughter, Barbara Anson, and granddaughter, Wendi Jo Wright.
He is survived by four children, Donald E. and Rita Banta of Neodesha, Kansas, Lelia and husband John Byrd of Stroud, Jodi and husband David Glisson of Kendrick, and Winston (Dub) Banta of Oklahoma City. Two sisters, Freda Morrison of Wewoka, Oklahoma and LaDean Mangrum of Wetumka, Oklahoma. Nine grandchildren, Don and Jennie Banta of Topeka, Kansas, Kelli and Tim Powell of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, Stacy and Aaron Kolb of Neodesha, Kansas, Jeannie Johnson and Rick Anson of Tulsa, Crystal Collins of Davis, John Byrd Jr. of Stroud, Davi Jo and Sean O’Donnell of Stroud. 18 great-grandchildren, Sol, Kaleb and Danyelle, Caitlyn, Ace, Jax, Nathan and Cassie, Hunter, Trevor, Gage, Kaylee, Kelsey and Thomas, Blake and Jobey, Kameron, Keelie, Christian, McKenna and Luke, Laci, and Liam. 5 great-great-grandchildren, Zachary, Kysin, Zane, Paisley, and Everlee Jo. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
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