Edmund Simeon Banashek

Ed was a quiet, thoughtful man who was steadfast in his loyalty and dedication. Following his graduation from University City High School and three years of college, he was hired by Bianco Furniture (later Falcon Products). He started sweeping floors and learning the ins and outs of the furniture manufacturing business. He grew through the ranks to become a sales executive and worked into his seventies in a business he loved. He traveled extensively for them, both domestically and internationally.

But he saved his truest expression of loyalty, dedication, and love for the family that he built with his beloved wife of 62 years. Elaine Goldberg first refused Ed’s invitation to go out for a soda because he was 8 years her senior and she felt that he should at least take her for dinner. Three years later, at the age of 30, a nearly-confirmed bachelor, Ed asked Elaine out again, this time for dinner…and she accepted. On returning home from the date, she said that he was a man she could marry. And they did just that.

Kathryn (Vincent) Barker, Michael (Cheryl) Banashek, and Debra (John) Banashek-Twist soon followed. They had a wonderful childhood, remembering a father who absolutely adored them. He was playful and supportive and emphasized education above all else. Reading to them is a favorite memory. He continued his family ways as very proud grandfather of six grandsons – Vincent, Jacob, Brandon, Maxwell, Joshua, and Parker.

Outdoors whenever possible, Ed spent hours in his garden, becoming an avid orchid cultivator. He also volunteered for over 10 years at the Botanical Gardens. Ed loved classical music and it could often be heard playing in the house. In later life, he and Elaine enjoyed going out to dinner and to the movies. Black forest cake was his favorite for birthdays.

Ed is dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will forever be a blessing.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Berger Memorial Chapel in Olivette, with a Funeral Service immediately following at 1:00 PM. Interment will be at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery on Ladue Road after the service.

In lieu of flowers, Ed’s family requests that donations be made to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, or the charity of one’s choosing.