Roland E. “Gene” Banaka, 86, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away Thursday, April 16, 2015. Gene was born June 26, 1928 in Whiting, Kansas to Robert H. and Fannie (Massey) Banaka. He was a graduate of Central Methodist College and received his Master’s Degree from UMKC. Gene served as past principal for both Westport and Center High schools. He was also a U.S. Marine veteran and served in the Korean Conflict. Gene is survived by his daughters Lea (Bill) Payne and Allison Herndon; brother William (Kathleen) Banaka; three grandsons, Brandon Herndon, Matthew Payne, and Tristan Payne; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three stepchildren, Annith (Todd) Waggoner, Jon (Kris) Kirkland, and Paul (Natalie) Kirkland and three step great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. Friends may call from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery South. Memorial contributions may be made in Roland’s name to The Alzheimer's Association, Heart of America Chapter, 3846 West 75th Street, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208.
