Obituary of Frank A. Banner

Frank Adelbert Banner, age 86, went to be with his Lord, at home on Sunday, September 14, 2014, after a prolonged illness. Born November 25, 1927 in Hartwick, New York, to Harold W. and Isabel Bresee Banner, he attended Tully High School, and graduated from Morrisville High School in 1946. Frank served in the U. S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict at Cherry Point, North Carolina. On November 5, 1954, he married Betty Louise Fuller. Frank lived in Preble and worked primarily for C. G. Boone until retiring in 1992. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 545 for over 55 years. An active member of Grace Christian Fellowship, formerly Homer Baptist Church, Frank served as youth leader, Moderator, and other leadership positions. During retirement he volunteered weekly at Homer Baptist Church and was the Preble Mail Carrier for 7 years. A life member of the National Rifle Association, he was an enthusiastic outdoorsman. Hunting, fishing, farming and gardening were his passions. Frank was a founder of NOFA, Northeast Organic Farming Association. A supporter of the American Red Cross he donated blood regularly for 40 years. He was unable to go to college, but was a self educated man and an avid reader who never stopped learning. He instilled in his daughters a love of reading and music. Survivors include his wife, Betty Lousie Fuller, daughters, Jacqueline Lousie Banner Brown (David), Marilee Marie Banner Olsen (Steven), and Paula Melody Banner Gustafson (J. Olaf). Grandchildren are Cory Benjamin Brown (deceased), Amanda Mae Brown Walters (Oscar), Lottie Elizabeth Brown Tordel (Richard), Shannon David Brown (Amber), Keith Mitchell Brown (Kaitlyn), Troy Nelson Brown, Christopher Steven Olsen (Lauren), Maribeth Marjory Olsen, J. Aaron Gustafson, Erik Olaf Gustafson, J. Andrew (Drew) Gustafson, Julia Marie Gustafson, and 10 great grandchildren. Siblings include Marion Banner, H. Keith Banner (deceased), Murvin Banner (deceased), Darrell Banner, Rev. Myrna Foster, Linda McCray and Shelly Banner Carapatyan. He’s also survived by a Brother-in-law, Clair N. Fuller, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Burial will be 1:00 pm Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Elmwood Cemetery, Preble, New York. A memorial service in Celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 3:00 pm at Grace Christian Fellowship, 1250 Fisher Ave. Cortland, New York. Memorial contributions are welcome at Grace Christian Fellowship memorial fund, and the Preble Fire Department.