James M O'Bannon

James Millard O’Bannon, 93, previously of Refugio, passed away on Friday, October 20, 2017 in Victoria, TX. He was born on November 7, 1923 in Santo, TX to the late Walter and Leona O’Bannon. He married Wanda Brockschmidt on February 20, 1948 in Houston, Texas and they were married for over 66 years. I know that he is happy to be rejoined with his loving wife and son, Gary in Heaven, where everything is perfect.

James graduated from Conroe High School. He served in the Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He then went to work for Exxon Petroleum Corporation and retired on April 1, 1985 after 43 years of service, living in Refugio, Texas for over 50 years. James was a member of Trinity Lutheran in Refugio and a member of the Exxon Crossroads Retirement group. In retirement, he loved woodworking and made many beautiful items. He loved his Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys and the Refugio Bobcats!

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Larry Stallings of Victoria; sisters-in-law, Brenda O’Bannon and Mary Hillegeist; brother-in-law, Reynold Hillegeist. Also, step-grandchildren, Curtis Stallings (Stefanie) and Callie Callesto (Ryan), 3 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents; wife, Wanda; son, Gary James O’Bannon; infant children, Carolyn Gwen and Randy Paul O’Bannon; brother, Dean O’Bannon; sister, Janet Creighton; and brother-in-law, Jerry Creighton.

Visitation will be at 10 am Tuesday, October 24, 2017 with funeral services following at 11 am at Rosewood Funeral Chapel in Victoria. Military honors will take place under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council. Graveside services will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Refugio.

The family would like to thank all the employees at Vitality Court for their love and caring of Daddy. He was known there as Smiley and Sunshine to the employees because he was always smiling. Also to Excel Home Health for providing outstanding nursing and physical therapy services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Good Samaritan Ministries, P.O. Box 483,Refugio, TX 78377, Oakwood Cemetery Association, 506 W. Heard, Refugio, TX 78377 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.