Warner Johnson Banes Jr.

Warner Banes, age 92, of Houston, Texas and Winter Harbor, Maine passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, the 31st of October 2017. He was born on the 9th of October 1925 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania to Warner and Peggy Rosengarten Banes.

Warner was educated in New England at The Faye School and St. Paul’s School. In 1942 he enlisted in the Navy and served as a Seabee in the Pacific Theater receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1946. Warner then came to Houston to visit his father and there he met and married Mary Ann McDonald, the girl next door. He attended the University of Houston graduating in 1949 and soon began his long teaching career.

Warner was a lifetime car enthusiast enjoying collecting, restoring and travelling American highways and backroads. He was a long standing member of several car clubs contributing numerous technical articles for automobile publications. He restored his grandfather’s 1906 Knockabout and sailed the waters around Winter Harbor. He loved playing golf with his cronies.

His happiest days were spent in the classroom at St. John’s School where he delighted in making science come to life in the minds of his students. His classes were legendary for experiments, knowledge, laughter and inspiration. Everybody loved Mr. Banes. In 1976, he married Marjory Cross, who also taught at St. John’s. Marjory predeceased Warner in 2012. Upon his retirement, it was not unusual for former students to seek him out to reminisce about their school days. Warner was bestowed with the title of Faculty Emeritus in 1981 by the Board of Trustees. In 2016, he received the Honorary Alumnus Award. After retirement Warner split his time between Houston and his beloved Winter Harbor.

Warner is survived by his daughters, Becky Banes and Margaret Banes Marshall and husband Howard, Granddaughter Mallory Parker Psenda, Grandson McCaleb Marshall and wife Katherine and five great grandchildren, Lindsay, Lauren, Becca, Ellie and Philip.

The family would like to give special recognition to Dr. Bandana Chawla for her compassionate medical care. Also, to his devoted caregivers, Amy Osburn and Lucruetia Augustine, who were always there to see to is comfort and well being with the greatest of love and respect.

A memorial service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 7th of November, in the sanctuary of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd in Houston, where Rev. Dr. Doug Richnow, Senior Associate Rector, is to officiate. Immediately following, friends are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Sumners Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Good Shepherd Hospice, 14511 Falling Creek Dr. #204, Houston, Texas 77014 or to the charity of your choice.