A Mass of Christian Burial for Michael K. Banning, 74, of Newark, will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 11 A.M., Tuesday, December 21, 2021, with Fr. David Sizemore as celebrant.  Inurnment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

Mike, a 1966 graduate of St. Vincent High School, Mt. Vernon, died at his home in Newark on December 5, 2021.  He was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 9, 1947 to the late Robert Kenneth and Rosemary Dorothy (Kempton) Banning.

A Corporal in the United States Army, Mike proudly served during the Vietnam War and was a recipient of the Purple Heart and Silver Star.  Following his time in the service, Mike moved to Newark where he worked for many years as a contract painter.

Mike was a jovial man, known for his outgoing personality and ability to make others laugh.  He had a generous heart and was always willing to help.  He held many talents which included painting, singing, dancing (especially to old rock 'n roll), and could fix just about anything.  He was athletic by nature and enjoyed playing basketball and football.  His favorite hobbies included boating and fishing, as well as watching old TV Westerns and Perry Mason.  Above all, Mike loved the time spent with his family and friends.

A beloved father, son, brother and friend, Mike will be missed by his children, Natalie A. (Francis) Szekeres, Michael R. Banning, John W. Banning, and their mother, Elizabeth Ashbrook-Banning; sisters, Rosanne Cole, Mary (Terry) Divan, and Rebecca (Rick) Conkle; best-friend, Dave Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Banning.

Friends and family may call at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 4-6 P.M., Monday, December 20, 2021, with a Vigil Service held at 5:30 P.M.

To share your memory of Michael or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.