Charles Edward Banker

Charles E. Banker, 96, Overland Park, a Hallmark Cards retiree, died April 19, 2008 at Clare Bridge Assisted Living Facility in Leawood. Charles was born in Maple Hill, Kansas, and attended high school in Lawrence and Baldwin. After graduating as the valedictorian of the Baldwin High School class of 1928, he enrolled at Baker University. While in college, he was president and treasurer of Theta Kappa Nu fraternity, a member of the student commission, editor-in-chief of the Baker Orange newspaper during his senior year, and a member of the track team for three years. He received special recognition for his academic scholarship for each of his four years at Baker and graduated in 1932 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Ruth Runkle and Charles met on the Baker campus, but could not plan a marriage immediately upon graduation due the Great Depression. It was not until August 14, 1937, that wedding vows were exchanged, but the marriage lasted over fifty years until Ruth precede him in death 14 years ago. Charles went to work for Hallmark Cards on September 11, 1933, in the Shipping Department. After two months, he was transferred to the Retail Store where he worked for two years. Then he moved back to Planning and Merchandising. When Everyday Merchandising became a department by itself, Charles was named department head. He worked in that capacity until World War II when he entered the United States Navy and serving in Ogden, Utah. Following the war, Charles was named head of Season Merchandising. His total career with Hallmark spanned 40 years. Survivors include a son, Douglas C. Banker, his wife, Janet, Overland Park; a daughter, Susan R. Dussell, her husband, Dean, Pagosa Springs, CO; and two grandsons, Scott D. Banker, Fairfax, VA; and Tyler W. Banker, Kansas City, MO; Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at D.W. Newcomer�s Sons Johnson County Chapel, burial in Forest Hill Cemetery. The suggests contributions to the Alzheimer�s Association, Heart of America Chapter, 3846 W. 75th Street, Prairie Village, KS 66208 or Baker University, Baldwin City, KS.