- Date Of Birth: January 9, 1957
- Date Of Death: July 14, 2020
- State: Michigan
Passed away Tuesday morning, July 14, 2020 at his home. Don was born January 9, 1957 in Kalamazoo the son of F. Edward and Elizabeth (Schallhorn) Banner.
Don graduated from Parchment High School and WMU. He worked in his family business, Riverside Greenhouse, until he began working at the Shepherd’s Center of Kalamazoo where he was the Assistant Director, Breaktime Director and handled many responsibilities for the Christian Resource Center.
Don was a past member of the American Floral Marketing Council and Michigan Floral Association, served on the boards of Public Media Network, Downtown Kalamazoo Association and the Parchment Schools Foundation, volunteered for the Kindleberger Summer Festival for over 20 years, and was a Parchment City Commissioner from 1995-2011, where he served as Vice-Mayor from 2003-2007.
Don had many passions including cooking, baking, gardening, landscaping, biking, and running. All who knew him would say he was the most gracious and welcoming host, a true friend who opened his home and his heart with unconditional love, and the bravest warrior throughout his 17 month long battle with leukemia and bone marrow transplant complications. Don’s greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family- laughing, going on adventures, giving advice, listening with a kind heart and being the best role model three boys could ever wish for.
On October 5, 1991 Don was united in marriage to his loving wife, Terese (Nevala) who survives.
Also surviving are his beloved sons, Collin, Alec, and Nolan Banner; brothers, John (Alvera) Banner, David (Jessie) Banner, Steve (Marilyn) Banner; in-laws, Steve (Judy) Nevala, Matt (Kristen) Nevala, Curt (Rebecca) Nevala; nieces and nephews, Todd, Justin, Maggie, Moira, and Kate and countless family and close friends that meant the world to him. Don was preceded in death by his parents; and his eldest brother, Bob.
