David Grey Banta was born in Loma Linda, California on September 13, 1943 to parents, Martin “Grey” Banta and Martha “Marti” Jane (Jennings) Banta. In 1946 he was joined by a baby sister Susan Ann. Over time the two of them became inseparable, sharing adventure, many of the same friends and interests, and a passion for music. Young David learned piano and organ and it was soon realized that he was incredibly gifted. He was in 6th grade when he obtained his first “job” as organist for a local church.
He met the love of his life and soul mate while attending La Sierra College. Jeralyn Kay Weber partnered with him in love for singing, church choirs, piano and organ music, and an intense passion for beauty in the outdoors. They graduated, becoming elementary school teachers, and even “team taught” for over a decade at Loma Linda Academy.
In October 1972, Michelle Louann “Missie” was welcomed into their little home. David worked several jobs as full-time teacher, organist and choir director, so that Jeralyn could stay home. In June 1977, David was overjoyed to welcome his baby boy, Aaron Grey into the little Banta household.
David loved his family and spent many hours playing games, bike riding, hiking, singing, playing instruments, and exploring the wonders of nature with them. He loved the beach, the ocean, the sand…
A typical Friday afternoon he would gather the family up, pack a few essentials and head to Laguna Beach to swim, play, picnic and then watch a magnificent sunset on the water.
Throughout his life David maintained a passion for artistic vision and transformation, particularly through home remodeling, design and landscape artistry. Every home he moved into was carefully and painstakingly transformed into a work of art. He later discovered other passions, such as mountain biking, off-road adventuring, horseback riding and sailing. He even took up playing bass guitar to be able to participate with his kids on the church worship teams.
Grandchildren brought a new light into David’s life, as his wife Jeralyn passed away suddenly in 1996. He doted on Savannah Grace (b. 1996) the first grandbaby, soon followed by Seth (b. 1998), Gabriella (b. 1999), Andrew (b. 2001) and finally Tyler (b. 2013). They quickly became his world.
He was a firm believer in the “power of praise”, and maintained a faith that the world we live in is just temporary. David often shared his longing for the day when we all will meet again, being transformed, healed, whole…and completely free. “In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever, and we will be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52 (NLV)
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