Donald John Banta Sr.

Donald John Banta, Sr, passed away peacefully at his home in Eloy, Arizona on December 20, 2025. Born November 18, 1941 in New Orleans, Louisiana, he lived most of his early years in Las Vegas, Nevada. After graduating Las Vegas High School in 1959, he attended the University of Nevada – Reno, where he majored in Business. He played NCAA baseball and was an active member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He also participated in ROTC and commissioned in the Army after graduating college. This was the beginning of what would be a long and distinguished military career. He earned numerous honors including Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal for his two tours. After 26 years of dedicated service, he retired as a Colonel in 1991.

While at University of Nevada – Reno, Don met the love of his life, 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 is what led them to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1996. After retiring from the private sector, he and Judy enjoyed traveling around the country in their motorhome, creating lasting memories with many friends and loved ones along the way. In 2016, they began spending summer months at their home in Colorado and the winter months at their second home in Arizona. They shared 59 beautiful years of marriage until Judy’s passing in October 2024, at which time Don decided to live permanently in Arizona.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Pearl Banta, his siblings Ron Banta and Betty Banta Reed, and his beloved wife, Judy. He is survived by his three children: Marilyn Banta (and husband Joe Veech) of San Marcos, TX, Donald Banta, Jr. (and wife Pam Banta) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Andrea Banta Nickels (and husband Rob Nickels) of Scottsville, VA; eight grandchildren: Philip Blevins, Riley Nickels, Brooke Blevins, Evan Nickels, Calvin Banta, Justin Banta, Natalie Veech, and Jordan Banta; and seven 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.

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