Donald J. Banas

Donald Joseph Banas, 78, of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, after a brief but intense battle with cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones in his final days – laughing, smiling, and ready for his next missions with God.

Don was born on September 16, 1947 in Elmhurst, Illinois, the son of Dolores and Benjamin Banas and eldest of four siblings. He graduated from Willowbrook High School in 1965 and worked at a Motorola facility in Franklin Park, IL, until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966.

Don completed Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia and then went on to complete Army helicopter pilot training and other specialized courses at Lawson Airfield, Georgia; Fort Walters, Texas; Fort Rucker, Alabama; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In January 1969, Don joined the 114 Assault Helicopter Company in Vinh Long, Vietnam as a UH-1 Huey pilot. He later served as an AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter pilot during his second tour, joining the 235th Attack Helicopter Company in Can Tho, Vietnam starting in March 1970.

Among Don’s numerous stories from this time is the experience of his first time being shot down – near Lawson Airfield, Georgia – by an angry chicken farmer, who connected sudden tumors in his chickens with the recent ramp-up in local helicopter operations. Later, during flight operations in and around Vietnam, he survived crashing into a river (rescued by Navy Seals) and earned a Purple Heart during another incident, where his knee was shot during flight. Though he left the Army in 1972, Don’s time in the service inspired his lifelong, steadfast commitment to service for his country and the community.

Shortly after re-joining civilian life, Don met his future wife Alice (Martin) Banas at a family wedding. They married in September 1972 in Cicero, Illinois, and remained married until his passing. In April 1982, Don and his wife Alice moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed two children into the world: Jeffrey W. Banas and Jacquelyn D. Banas.

As a civilian, Don pursued law enforcement and community service opportunities. In May 1975, he graduated from Bradley University with his Bachelor's Degree in Police Science. He worked as a Claims Investigator and Supervisor at Hartford Insurance Company and as an Auxiliary Police Officer and Private Investigator in Chicago, IL. In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Don continued on to complete formal police academy training as well as a Master’s degree in Police Administration from St. Thomas University. For the next 25 years, he served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) in the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE). After retiring as a Deputy Sheriff in 2007, Donald spent three years working for Carnival Cruise Lines as a Corporate Security Investigator.

Throughout his time in Florida, Don actively volunteered with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Boy Scouts of America, and Blessed Sacrament Church (among other organizations). During his 23 years of volunteering with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Don served as the USCG Auxiliary Division 3-4 Commander, taught boating safety courses, regularly aided those in distress, participated in USCG training operations out at sea, and more.

Don will be fondly remembered for his commitment to serving his country and community as well as his love of boating, helicopters, books, movies, jokes, storytelling, and so much more. He was also a man of deep faith, and his loved ones take comfort in knowing that he is now in the arms of God.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Alice Banas; his children, Jeffrey Banas (Janette) and Jacquelyn Banas; his siblings, Robert Banas (Margaret) and Debra Morris (Edward); and nieces Jennifer Madsen (Michael), Mallori Winters (Greg), and Alyssa Angolia (Michael).

Donald was preceded in death by his brother, William Banas, as well as his parents, Dolores and Benjamin Banas.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm at the KRAEER - FAIRCHILD FUNERAL HOME, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Don's funeral service will commence on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 10:30 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Committal Services with Military Honors by the United States Army will take place starting at 1pm at the South Florida National Cemetery in Wellington, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Broward County Police Benevolent Association (donate.bcpba.org), St. Vincent de Paul of North Broward (https://svdpsouthflorida.org/ways-to-give/make-a-donation/), Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church (https://blessedsacramentrcc.org/#open-my-donation), or All Saints Mission (https://allsaintsmission.org/).