Robert F Banta

 

On June 10th, 2023, Robert F Banta passed away at Midland Care, Topeka, Ks. Robert was born July 17th, 1943, at Ft. Scott, Ks., and raised in Chanute Ks. He is survived by three sisters; Barbara McDaniel, Mary Beth Blonder, and Tish Banta Davies. Robert is also survived by his son, John Bradley Banta, his companion of 35 years, Catherine A. Francis, and numerous extended family members.

Robert loved a good story and his were true. He was an altar boy, a military student (Please, don't enroll Robert next year), worked in a tuberculosis hospital, Topeka State Hospital (if you are good, I'll pop a wheelie when I leave- all eyes at the window), had an Associate Degree in Mental Health, and worked with his father until he became a Master Carpenter. Robert skipped prom to see Bill Haley and The Comets, experienced the California 60's scene (rubbing elbows with Janice Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, etc.) and Kansas (KANSAS), getting a 147mph motorcycle speeding ticket (Oh, I must have been slowing down), racing motorcycles in Mazatlan, Mexico (see speeding ticket), nail gunning a Christmas tree into the floor for the cats, teaching his dog to ring the doorbell to come in, and "raining frogs" (it's true, I was there) just to mention a few.

Catherine and his/her families plan a Celebration of Life on August 27th, 2023, from 3pm- 6pm. This will be at The Ted Endsley Garden House, 3650 SE West Edge Rd., Lake Shawnee, Topeka, Ks. Light food and refreshments will be served. Help us celebrate a life well lived and bring your favorite story. 

Donations in Robert's honor may be given to The Helping Hands Humane Society, Inc. 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, Ks. 66604 phone 785-233-7325