Thomas P. Banner
June 7, 1944 – December 3, 2020
Tom will be cremated and due to current restrictions laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 76, passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Bronson Hospital. He was born in Kalamazoo, the son of the late Joseph and Alicia (Lillis) Banner. Tom was kind, loving and generous. He graduated from Loy Norrix High School, Class of 1963. After graduation he was drafted to the U.S. Army, fought in Vietnam, and served our country with honor from 1965-1967 in the 25th Infantry Artillery. Tom had a passion for antique automobiles and was a hard worker. Upon his return he began working as an auto body repairman at his father’s shop, Banner Auto Body. His ambitions moved him to open B & B Auto Paint Supply with his father and brothers. They would eventually sell to Finishmaster. Tom finished his career there working as a salesman and store manager. When not working he enjoyed remodeling his home, spending time at the family cottage, Westerns, taking naps, planning and playing pranks, or tinkering in his workshop. Tom\'s gentle smile, laughter, and famous mashed potatoes will be missed by all who loved him. On October 30, 1971, he married his sweetheart, Ila (Bresson) Banner who survives. He is also survived by two loving children, Lottie Banner and, Thomas Banner Jr.; siblings, Mary (Bill) Woodhams, James (Pat) Banner, Jane (Tom) Sabel, Anne (Jeff) Klimek, Virginia (James) Handy, Chris (Mary) Banner, Collette Banner, Elizabeth (Pete) Palasinski, Margaret Banner; over 40 nieces and nephews, numerous cousins. He was also preceded in passing by a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph (Harriet) Banner, great nephew Rain Ballew Crass.
Dear Ila and family, So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I remember his teasing and gentle laugh. Praying for comfort for all the Banner family. Love, Mary Lou and Mike
Dear Ila and family, Dean and I were saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. Sending you our heartfelt condolences at this sad time for you, Lottie and Tommy. Know that you can always call on us if you need anything at all. Love, Dean and Mary
Ila and family, So very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending big hugs! Love, Bruce and Patty Banner Lombard Georgetown Texas
What a great “first boss” (along with Chris) for Brian to have getting started in the auto repair business. All our thoughts and prayers to the Banner family and especially to Chris, Betsy, Colette and Jane whom we knew the best. I would also like to extend deepest sympathies from the Schmitt side of the family from my Mother Mary Schmitt Steffler and children Sandy, Patti, Jim & Tom. Thinking mightily of you all and May God Bless Tom. Patti Steffler Stoyanoff
Dear Ila, I have been praying for you and your family for peace. I remember that Mom and Daddy loved to come out to your house for visits. Tom and you were always very kind and generous. I am very sorry for your loss. Love, Steven
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Tom’s passing. Uncle Tom was my Godfather. He always had warm, friendly smiles and loving hugs. I remember the many fun rides in his old model T. When I grew up, he gave my daughters their own tour in his unique Ford. I will always cherish my times with Uncle Tom and all the large family gatherings together. Love, Your Niece, Jenny (Sabel) Dreyer