Lester "Skip" Ervin Banner

Born in Lansing, Michigan, to Lester and Bernice Banner, Skip spent much of his childhood growing up in Potterville before eventually returning to Lansing, where he married, welcomed four children, and built a life centered around the people he loved most.

Above all else, Skip loved his children and his family. Being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather brought him tremendous joy, and his love for his family was one of the greatest parts of who he was. He had a heart of gold and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, especially hunting, fishing, and simply going for a ride in the country to look for deer. Whether he was spending time outdoors, enjoying a game of bingo, or simply being surrounded by those he loved, Skip appreciated the moments that made life special.

Skip leaves behind his wife, Penny Challender-Banner; his four loving children, Emily (David Smith) Banner, Sara (Terrence Morris) Banner, Katie (Michael Cedeno) Medina, and Andrew (Adinn Kolonich) Banner; and his great-niece, Heather (Cody Furgala) Woodworth.

He was a proud grandfather to Kaiden (Destiny) Daugherty, Alyssa Morris, Kooper Daugherty, Andrew Morris, Adrian Medina, Pedro Medina III, Amiyah Medina, Aaleyah Ellis, Logan Banner, Mariyah Medina, Asiyah Medina, Landon Banner, Mekhi Cedeno, Loren Banner, Jackson Cedeno, Lux Banner and Lorenzo Cedeno.

He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Dakari Jackson, Dakota Jackson, and K’mari Morris.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Bernice Banner; his sisters and brother-in-law, Betty (Bill) Woodworth, Maryann Banner, and Sandy Hennings; and his niece and nephew, Melissa and Scott Woodworth.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan for the kindness, comfort, and dignity shown to Skip during his final days. Their care and support during such a difficult time will never be forgotten.

Flowers may be sent as an expression of sympathy, or those wishing to honor Skip’s memory may make a memorial contribution to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in appreciation of the compassionate care provided to him and his family.

A father’s love never truly leaves us. It lives on in our memories, in the lessons he taught us, and in the pieces of him we carry in our hearts forever. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that the love he gave us will remain a part of us always.

Forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.

A Committal Service will be held at Bell Oak Cemetery, located at 5037 Bell Oak Rd E, Webberville, MI 48892, US, on October 27, 2026, from 11:00 am.