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Thomas Banner

December 3, 2020
Kalamazoo, MI

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Banner, Thomas P. 6/7/1944 - 12/3/2020 Kalamazoo Age 76, passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Bronson Hospital. He was born in Kalamazoo, the son of the late Joseph and Alicia (Lillis) Banner. Tom was kind, loving and generous. He graduated from Loy Norrix High School, Class of 1963. After graduation he was drafted to the U.S. Army, fought in Vietnam, and served our country with honor from 1965-1967 in the 25th Infantry Artillery. Tom had a passion for antique automobiles and was a hard worker. Upon his return he began working as an auto body repairman at his father's shop, Banner Auto Body. His ambitions moved him to open B & B Auto Paint Supply with his father and brothers. They would eventually sell to Finishmaster. Tom finished his career there working as a salesman and store manager. When not working he enjoyed remodeling his home, spending time at the family cottage, Westerns, taking naps, planning and playing pranks, or tinkering in his workshop. Tom's gentle smile, laughter, and famous mashed potatoes will be missed by all who loved him. On October 30, 1971, he married his sweetheart, Ila (Bresson) Banner who survives. He is also survived by two loving children, Lottie Bannerand, Thomas Banner Jr.; siblings, Mary (Bill) Woodhams, James (Pat) Banner, Jane (Tom) Sabel, Anne (Jeff) Klimek, Virginia (James) Handy, Chris (Mary) Banner, Collette Banner, Elizabeth (Pete) Palasinski, Margaret Banner; over 40 nieces and nephews, numerous cousins. He was also preceded in passing by a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph (Harriet) Banner, great nephew Rain Ballew Crass. Tom will be cremated and due to current restrictions laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, c/o the funeral home. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.