Howard Banta

OBERLIN -- Howard Banta, 98, died Monday (Feb. 17, 2003) in Oberlin.

He was born Feb. 24, 1904, to Harlan Quincy and Mary (Chenoweth) Banta in Oberlin. He was raised in Oberlin and graduated from Decatur County High School in 1922 and graduated from Kansas State University in 1926 with a bachelor of science degree. He worked as a chemist in Dallas, Texas for Stannard Tilton Milling Co. In 1930, he moved back to Oberlin.

On Aug. 12, 1932, he married Lura Lee "Connie" Conner. He was the manager of the Oberlin Milling Company.

He was a member of the United Church of Oberlin, Rotary, Decatur Area Chamber of Commerce, Order of Eastern Star Mount Slope Lodge No. 188 AF and AM, Decatur County Shrine Club and Kansas Grain Dealers Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Connie in 1995; one brother, Harlan Banta; and three sisters, Grace Kimm, Lola King and Helen Morgan.

Survivors include one son, David and wife, Karen Banta of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.; two daughters, Mary and husband, Robert Brown of Omaha and Pamela Banta of Oberlin; one sister, Lila Counter of Athens, Ala.; and four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be Friday, 10:30 p.m., at United Church of Oberlin in Oberlin with Revs. Nolan and Barbara Pierce and Mike McVay officiating. A private interment will be in Oberlin Cemetery.

Visitation is today, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at Pauls Funeral Home and Friday, 8 a.m., until service time, at the church.

Memorials may be given in his name to United Church of Oberlin and Decatur County Good Samaritan Center.

Pauls Funeral Home of Oberlin is in charge of the arrangements.