John Banman
1918 - 2013
Obituary
John Banman, 95, died on Nov. 29 at Kidron Bethel Health
Care in North Newton.
He was born on June 23, 1918, in Canton to Jacob and Helen
(Pankratz) Banman.
John, a graduate of Newton High School, attended Bethel
College for one year prior to completing his bachelor's degree at Wichita
University in 1940. Two years later, he received the first master's degree
given in clarinet performance from Northwestern University. While serving as a
medic in the Army, he performed with various military music ensembles.
John, an honored music educator, taught in Kansas for more
than 65 years in Clearwater, Ellinwood and Great Bend. John was a woodwind
instructor at Fort Hays State Summer Band Camp for more than 20 years. After
retirement, he gave private lessons in Hesston and Newton.
Throughout his career, John continued to perform and arrange
music. From the 1940s until his retirement, he was a fine jazz saxophonist
performing with musicians across Kansas and beyond. Upon retirement in Harvey
County, John returned to classical music, performing with the Mid-Kansas
Orchestra, various Bethel College groups, in local churches and in recitals
with local musicians.
John was member of Bethel College Mennonite Church and
beloved member of the Kidron Health Care community where his music and humor
provided a lift to many. He was a dear friend, teacher, father and husband and
will be remembered for his generosity of spirit and a life well-lived. When
asked recently by W. Nugent about advice for living a good long life he said:
"Try to think of something you can do to make this a good world."
He is survived by his children: daughter, Nancy Banman and
spouse, Stanley J. Scott, and son, Paul Banman and spouse, Robin Avery.
He was preceded in death by: his wife, Iris (Wetz) Banman;
father and mother, Jacob and Helen Banman; and brothers, Paul and Anton Banman
and sister, Katherine Mason.
A memorial service will be held at a later time at Bethel
College Mennonite Church. The John Banman Memorial Fund has been set up for the
Bethel College Music Department. Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com
