Charles Francis Banta

Charles “Charlie B” Banta, aged 89, left us to be with Jesus Thursday morning, December 1st, 2023, just after midnight. One tear drop of joy was in his eye: this perfectly shaped tear proved that he was with Jesus. I can only imagine the feeling of being in the arms of Jesus as he heard “Welcome home, my good and faithful servant.” He suffers no more. We shall always remember his BIG SMILE and the twinkle in those blue eyes. He was truly loved by all he met!

First and foremost he loved his family and cars. Secondly, he loved his friends and cars. Thirdly, he loved talking about cars, reading about cars and going to car shows. NASCAR was also a favorite.

As a young boy he would sit on the front porch, close his eyes as he listened to cars coming up the hill near his home and try to guess the make of the car before it got to the top of the hill by the sound of their engines. For 32 1/2 years during his vacations with Linda, he managed to find a car show. He had many stories to tell about his life as a child. As you would probably guess, he had a part in a church play. His part? He quoted a poem as he drove across the stage in a little “peddle car.”

He worked at GE in Schenectady, NY for 33 1/2 years as a manager in Telecommunications and Information Processing Operations. He was a GE man through and through. Prior to that, he worked in the family store and the Mohawk Carpet Mills.

Charlie loved working outdoors especially cutting branches and keeping the big oaks neatly trimmed. Once an arborist was working next door. He walked over to Charlie to ask who trimmed the oak trees in the yard. His answer, “I do, am I not cutting them correctly?” The reply, “Good job, I was wondering who you had for the job.” What a happy smile when he came in to tell about this experience. Congratulations, Mr. B.!

Serving the Lord was his passion. He served many years as a deacon. Several years he served as Chairman of Building and Grounds Team. He assisted the church treasurer counting money and making deposits at the local bank. He saw a need for a prayer team and served many years meeting for prayer prior to services, praying for the Pastor, staff and Bible leaders. Charlie’s favorite Bible verse? John 14:6.

A special time for him was breakfast with the guys! It began when Charlie invited a new member of The Point Church to breakfast. The breakfast meeting grew from there. He looked forward to Thursday mornings.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Margaret (McConchie) Banta, his sister Elizabeth Banta, and his step-son John Michael Dunson. He left behind a loving wife, Linda D. Banta, sons James D. Banta of Watertown, MA, Richard W. (Vanessa) Banta of Amsterdam, NY, Ronald S. (Lori) Banta of Colorado Springs, CO, step-son David E. Dunson of Alabama, and daughter-in-Love Tena Dunson of Pace, FL. His grandchildren, whom he dearly loved, Joshua, Abbey, Jacob, and Sarah Banta, and step-granddaughter Dana Dunson. He was blessed to have a great-grandson, James, son of Joshua and Vivian.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 14 at 11:00 am at The Point Church, 13801 Innerarity Point Rd. Pensacola, FL 32507. Immediately following the service there will be a “meet and greet” lunch in DuBose Hall. All are invited to attend.

A Visitation for Charles will be held Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL 32506. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 14 at 11:00 am at The Point Church, 13801 Innerarity Point Rd. Pensacola, FL 32507. Immediately following the service there will be a “meet and greet” lunch in DuBose Hall. All are invited to attend. Private interment will be at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Banta family.