Banabas “Banabi” Matingi, was born and raised in Kenya on April 22, 1977. He was the last-born son of Victor John Matingi (late) & Margaret Idah Mwikali and was married to Rachael Matingi with whom he shares a son, Eli Matingi.
He attended Lincoln Land Community College where he earned his nursing degree and was pursuing an MSN at Western Governors University. Banabi worked as a registered surgical nurse at Springfield Memorial Hospital. He found joy in spending time with loved ones while biking and watching soccer. He was an avid Arsenal Soccer Club fan.
Banabi was a son, husband, father, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Idah Mwikali; wife, Rachael Matingi; son, Eli Matingi; siblings, Felistas Katunge, Florence Mueni, Nicholas Kithimba, and Maria Munee; nephew, Fredrick Mawira along with several other nephews, nieces, and cousins. He will be celebrated and will forever be missed.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, Illinois. COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.
A private family ceremony will be held with burial at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Clinic Cancer Center, 900 N. 1st St., Springfield, IL 62702.
