Richard Banta Sr.

Richard D. Banta Sr. VIRGINIA BEACH - Richard Dean Banta Sr., 86, passed away May 24, 2010 in Sentara Bayside Hospital. He was born Aug. 7, 1923 in Long Pine, Neb., to the late Ethel Mae and Floyd Banta. His family relocated to West Chicago, Ill., where he grew up and graduated from high school. Richard proudly served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and was a part of the invasion of Normandy. After his discharge from the Navy, he relocated to the Tidewater area where he met and married his loving wife of 61 years, Martha Jean Rudisill, who preceded him in death. He then went to work for C&P Telephone Company. After 40 years of dedicated service to the company, he retired to spend many happy years traveling and playing golf. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Joyce Berlando and husband Butch of Chesapeake, Judy Eason and husband Rick of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., and son Richard Dean Banta Jr. and wife Margen of Virginia Beach; seven grandchildren, Amy Neff and husband Parker, Beth Brady and husband Sean, David Eason and wife Jessica, Michael Eason, Preston, Katherine, and Jordan Banta; three great-grandchildren, April and Kyle Brady and Isabella Eason. Also left to cherish his memory are Maury E. Bailey and wife Pat, Virginia Gayle, Edee Harryman and a host of other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Virginia Beach Fire and Rescue, 4672 Haygood Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. A private memorial service will be held for the family at a later date. Condolences may be offered to the family at www. hollomon-brown.com.