Raymond Banta

Raymond Banta, 93, Greenwood, died January 30, 2012 at the Greenwood Village South Pavillion.

He was born November 30, 1918 in Hopewell to William Jesse Banta and Maude (Henderson) Banta. He attended Indianapolis Public Schools #10 and #27, and also attended Perry Township Marion County Public Schools #9 and #4. He graduated from Perry Township school #4 in 1931. He graduated from Arsenel Technical High School in 1935. He earned his Bachelor's degree at Butler University in 1957, and a Masters Degree in 1966.

Survivors include his nephews, Roy Myers and Ronnie Banta; niece Marjorie Osborne; and many other great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold, Maurice, and Arnold Banta; and sisters, Nellie Myers, Claire Banta, and a step sister, Mary.

Raymond served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1942-1945. His units included the 101st Signal Battalion and the 3117th Signal Service Battalion. He was stationed in the Hawaiian and Gilbert Islands.

He worked for many years for the General Accounting Office as a Accountant/Auditor.

Raymond was a member of Southport Heights Christian Church, and at one time helped create the weekly church bulletins. He was a former member of the Greenwood Christian Church and the Third Christian Church of Indianapolis.

He was a member of the Society of Indiana Pioneers, Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis/Marion County Historical Society, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Cumberland County (PA) Historical Society, and the Johnson County (IN) Historical Society.

Raymond published a book titled "Indiana Laughmakers" in 1989. He was a cartoonist for newspapers for years, and had previously founded a photo club. He also was a frequent Travelogue speaker in many places across the country.

Calling will take place from 1-2PM, Wednesday at the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Chapel at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, Indianapolis. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 P.M, Wednesday, at the cemetery chapel.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson St.Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel.