John William Banta

John William Banta, age 66 of Norman, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2022. John was born April 2, 1956 in Shawnee, OK, the 2nd of 5 children born to Marlan Clinton Banta and Mary Ruth (Day) Banta. The son of an oil field worker, John lived in various places in his younger years, but always considered Tecumseh his home. He learned the value of hard work at a very young age, and joined his father in the oil field in his teens. His motto was "plan your work, work your plan", and he lived this throughout his life. John started as a tool pusher, and worked his way up the ranks. He worked for more than 43 years, and retired from Global Production Solutions as Permian Basin Sales Manager in 2021. By chance, he met a young lady named Linda. They both happened to be at a mutual friends on Thanksgiving weekend in 1984 when they met. It was love at first sight, and the rest as they say is history. Away from work, John enjoyed reading, and kept an immaculate yard. He was an avid collector of many things; coins, knives, guns and Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was the proud father of three daughters, Jana, Madison and Kennedy and an even prouder PaPa to Connor, Erin and Ford. He was a kind, generous man, who would loan you anything. But he was quick to remind you, "if you break it, you fix it". He was always willing to help, whether it was fixing a flat on the side of the road, or simply giving a little money to a young mother and her kids. He cherished Linda and spending quality time with his family. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: his parents, Marlan and Mary Banta and a brother, Clint Banta. John is survived by: his wife, Linda of the home; daughters, Jana Weddle and husband David of McAlester, Madison Banta of Pawhuska and Kennedy McCall and husband Jake of Skiatook; brother Coy Banta and wife Tedi of Houston, TX; two sisters, Marla McCamey and husband Mike of Sapulpa and Tempest Sullivan and husband Ron of Sapulpa; his pride and joy, grandchildren, Connor Wilkinson, Erin Wilkinson and Ford McCall; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends. A Celebration of Life Memorial is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Little's Chapel. www.wilsonlittle.com.

John William Banta

April 2, 1956 - December 31, 2022