NEWARK – A Mass of Christian Burial for Michael K. Banning, 74, of Newark will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 21, with Fr. David Sizemore as celebrant. Inurnment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.
Mike, a 1966 graduate of St. Vincent High School, Mount Vernon, died at his home in Newark on Dec. 5, 2021. He was born in Columbus on July 9, 1947, to the late Robert Kenneth and Rosemary Dorothy (Kempton) Banning.
A corporal in the United States Army, Mike proudly served during the Vietnam War and was a recipient of the Purple Heart and Silver Star. Following his time in the service, Mike moved to Newark where he worked for many years as a contract painter.
Mike was a jovial man, known for his outgoing personality and ability to make others laugh. He had a generous heart and was always willing to help. He held many talents that included painting, singing, dancing (especially to old rock ‘n roll), and could fix just about anything. He was athletic by nature and enjoyed playing basketball and football. His favorite hobbies included boating and fishing, as well as watching old TV Westerns and Perry Mason. Above all, Mike loved the time spent with his family and friends.
A beloved father, son, brother and friend, Mike will be missed by his children, Natalie A. (Francis) Szekeres, Michael R. Banning, John W. Banning, and their mother, Elizabeth Ashbrook-Banning; sisters, Rosanne Cole, Mary (Terry) Divan and Rebecca (Rick) Conkle; best friend, Dave Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Banning.
Friends and family may call at the Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 4-6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, with a vigil service held at 5:30 p.m.
Memorial donations can be made to the funeral home to assist with final expenses; flowers are welcome as well.
To share your memory of Mike or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.
