Dennis Joseph Banta

Dennis Joseph Banta, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on June 4, 2025, in Denham Springs, Louisiana, at the age of 85. Dennis lived an extraordinary life filled with adventure, hard work, laughter, and most of all-a deep and abiding love for his family. Born on January 11, 1940, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, Dennis was a graduate of Plaquemine High School, Class of 1958. He continued his education at Louisiana State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography. While at LSU, he met his wife, Jean Jackson and began a partnership that would last more than 61 years. After graduating from LSU, Dennis enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, attended Officer Candidate School and then Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, eventually becoming a helicopter rescue pilot. His five years of service were marked by courage and a strong sense of duty. These are qualities that would remain with him throughout his life. After completing his service in the Coast Guard, Dennis and Jean began a journey that took them to various cities across the country, as Dennis pursued a career in boating and shipyard companies. Everywhere he went, Dennis brought a sense of purpose and honesty, and he built a legacy grounded in integrity, mentorship, and love. Affectionately known as "Dee Dee" by his family, Dennis was a man who lived true to himself. He had a rare gift for making others feel seen, heard, and valued. He was a steady presence, a storyteller, and a source of wisdom to all that knew him. Whether offering guidance or just being present, Dennis had a way of leaving people better than he found them. Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Jean Jackson Banta; his loving children, Elizabeth "Betsy" Banta Moore (David) and Dennis Bradford Banta (Amy); and his cherished grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Moore Goodwin (Will), Kathryn Anne Moore, Morgan Elizabeth Banta, Molly Bradford Banta, and Duke McKneely Banta. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Banta Case (Billy), sister in law June Jackson Weber and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss him deeply. Visitation will be held from 3:30pm-4:30pm at Brandon Thompson Funeral Home in Denham Springs on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The service will begin at 4:30pm. Honorary pallbearers will be Duke Banta, Terrell Brown, Billy Case, Will Goodwin, Tommy Kleinpeter, David Moore, Scott Weber and David Wild. Dennis Banta's life was one well-lived-a life marked by service, generosity, love, and enduring relationships. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dennis may be made to two charities: Launch Therapy Center ( launchpeds.com ) at 1310 S. Range Ave. Denham Springs, La 70726 or Tunnels to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org