Donald John Banta Sr.
Donald John Banta Sr.
Donald John Banta Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Eloy, Ariz., on Dec. 20, 2025. Born Nov. 18, 1941, in New Orleans, La., he lived his early years in Las Vegas, Nev. After graduating Las Vegas High School in 1959, he attended University of Nevada–Reno, majoring in Business. He played varsity baseball and was an active member in the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He joined ROTC and enlisted in the Army after graduating college. His long and distinguished military career earned numerous honors including Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. After 26 years of dedicated service, he retired as a Colonel in1991.
While at University of Nevada, Don met Judith Irene Wilson and they married on July 27, 1965. They raised three children, moving often due to his military career, sharing their love for camping and fishing at every stop. Following his military career Don worked as a Project Manager for GTE Government Systems, which led them to Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1996. After retiring from the private sector, he and Judy enjoyed traveling the country creating many lasting memories. They shared 59 beautiful years of marriage until Judy’s passing in October of 2024, at which time Don moved permanently to their winter home in Arizona.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Pearl Banta, siblings Ron Banta and Betty Banta Reed, and beloved wife, Judy. He is survived by his children: Marilyn Banta (and husband Joe Veech) of San Marcos, Texas, Donald Banta Jr. (and wife Pam Banta) of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Andrea Banta Nickels (and husband Rob Nickels) of Scottsville, Va.; grandchildren: Philip Blevins, Riley Nickels, Brooke Blevins, Evan Nickels, Calvin Banta, Justin Banta, Natalie Veech, and Jordan Banta; and nieces and nephews: Scott Taylor, Mark Taylor, Melissa Forburger, Mitchell Barcellos, Alicia Reed, Brian Reed, and Kipp Reed.
Funeral services with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at 9 a.m. on March 24, 2026.