Walter Don Banning, son of the late Roy Wilson and Mary Catherine (Simmons) Banning, was born September 17, 1927 and passed away October 12, 2016.

He was a Seabee in the United States Navy during WWII aboard the U.S.S. Chilton, serving in the Pacific. After the war, he moved with this aunt's family to Tempe, AZ where he lived for a few years. He met his wife, Norma Hawkins, when he moved back to Missouri. Together with their children they moved around the country following the road construction companies that he worked for. He also drove over-the-road with his friend, Bob Bock. On August 30, 1968, he was ordained at Lakewood Missionary Baptist Church in Shirley, MO and pastored several churches during his 30 plus years in the ministry. In addition to numerous traditional creek baptisms and church weddings, he performed several wedding ceremonies in his home.

He was well known for his enjoyment of buying, selling, and trading almost anything he owned. He also enjoyed camping and fishing with cherished friends and his family. After his retirement from AMAX Mines, he and Norma spent several winters in California, Arizona and later Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Norma; brother, Robert Banning; sister, Mary Strange and husband Charles; son, Donald Worley; great-granddaughter, Shaina Kay; and brothers-in-law, Obie, Stanley and Ward Hawkins, Eugene Stramberg, Donald Blair and Jack Henry.

Those who remain to mourn his passing are his sister, Nancy Stramberg of Wentzville, MO; his children, Melvin Worley and Karen (Allen) Isgrig all of Steelville, MO, Dan (Linda) Banning of Sullivan, MO, Janet Conway of Eldon, MO and daughter-in-law Jean Worley of Mountain View, MO; twelve grandchildren, Amy (Tommy) Mounce and Chris (Tasha) Isgrig all of Steelville, MO, Tennille Banning and Valerie Taylor of Sullivan, MO, Vanassa (John) Banning of Cuba, MO, Lisa (Richard) Gillam of Davisville, MO, Rebecca (Shannon) Eaton of Plato, MO, Sandy (Shane) Mahurin of Eldon, MO, Mary Jane (Andrew) McFadden of Navarre, FL, Michael Martin of Davisville, MO, Ronald (Heather) Worley of Albuquerque, NM and Regina (Scott) Harris of Saint Jo, TX; twenty-two great-grandchildren, Brady and Brett Isgrig, Dani Kae (Kyle) Mook, Marcus Banning, Alexander and August Banning, Richie (Liz), April and Waylan Gillam, Katherine and Kaylee Eaton, Cody and Kayleb Mahurin, ANdrew and Jazlynn McFadden, Kaylynn Martin, Hunter and Mia Worley, Rachel, Janel, Dylan Brockman and Scotty Harris; one great-great-grandson, Brantley Brockman; two sister-in-laws, Thelma Blair and and Delores Henry all of Potosi, MO; special friends, Clyde, Barb and Doug Brower, Richard "Dickie" Sumpter, Freddy Strosnider and his church at Lakewood Missionary Baptist in Shirley, MO; and many other family and friends.

The Family received friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home and from 1:00 p.m. until time of service on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the Lakewood Missionary Baptist Church in Shirley, MO.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the Lakewood Missionary Baptist Church in Shirley, MO with Bro. Doug Brower and Bro. Alvie Enloe officiating. Music of "Life's Highway to Heaven", "When They rang the Golden Bells for you and Me", "I'll Fly Away" and "Glad Reunion Day" was sung by the congregation and led by Grayton Mill with Bonnie Mills on piano.

Committal prayer given by Leonard Compton and interment with Full Military Honors by the U.S. Navy and  Potosi VFW Post 6996 were in the Lakewood Cemetery, Shirley, MO.

Honored to be casket bearers were Tommy Mounce, John Schwab, Christopher Isgrig, Richard Gillam, Richie Gillam and Michael Martin.

The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.