Andrew Banas Jr.

Andrew Banas, Jr.

Andrew Banas, Jr. was born in East Chicago, IN, on August 17, 1928, to Andrey and Anna (nee Vayda) Banas. He came from a Slovak family of two children. He had a younger sister, Anna. Andy was baptized on September 9, 1928, and confirmed at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Whiting, IN, on May 31, 1942. He graduated from George Roger's Clark High School in 1946 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. Andy served with the 7th Infantry Division in Seoul, Korea. He graduated from Indiana State University in 1952, being the first in his family ancestry to be a college graduate, which was a high honor to his family and relatives. He was an Architectural Engineer and retired after 36 years from Standard Oil/Amoco Oil in Whiting, IN and Naperville, IL.

In his last year of college, Andy was married on July 28, 1951, to his beloved wife, Garnett Hively in his Whiting church. They were blessed with 64 years of a happy marriage. God blessed Andy and Garnett with three children – David (Linda), Paul (Kristine), and Darlene (Robert) Fernandez; granddaughters: Natalie Banas, Lauren Banas, Angela (John) Lam and their daughter Grace Lam; Kristin (Gary) Longoria and their children, Jake, Luke, and Elliana Longoria; Kelli (Nick) Devich and their children, Faye, Beau, and Hazel Devich; and Kaitlyn Fernandez and her son Cade. Grandchildren and great grandchildren often visited Andy, which he really enjoyed. Special thanks to Dad's caregivers Antinet, Romana, Ernestine, and Carey. We are grateful for their help in caring for dad.

Andy was preceded to Heaven by his beloved wife Garnett in April, 2016.

Andy was a modest man and yet he is the kind of man that made this country great by enlisting and serving his country and his God. He was a hard worker and an example to us all of what it means to be a devoted Christian by training his family to support their church and school in all its social and financial activities so finally he can hear those words from Jesus, "Well Done Thou Faithful Servant."

Visitation for Andy will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 9:30 – 10:30 AM at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, 18100 Wentworth Ave., Lansing, IL, with Pastor John Richy officiating. His funeral service will follow in the church sanctuary. Andy will be laid to rest in Concordia Cemetery in Hammond, IN. www.schroederlauer.com.