Our dad, Dewey David Banta, passed away on April 20th after a long stay at the VA Hospital. He was surrounded by the loving staff who listened to his stories and came to love him deeply. His family is eternally grateful for their kindness to our dad. He met our mother in Los Angeles, California, while on leave. They met at a skating rink which was very popular at the time. She said "Hi," and he said that was it. They were married three weeks later. With that came 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. He would tell you that he lived a very full life. He joined the Navy at 17 and traveled around the world. As a very young man he took time to make his way to Nagasaki Japan in 1946 where he experienced the full and total devastation of what happed there, changing him forever. Our dad grew up with eight brothers and sisters. His brother, Jack, trained horses for the circus and taught some of his siblings to form a pyramid, our mother being the one at the top! Dad had many talents. He was an actor, a radio announcer, a WKY camera man, owner of Bantas Hickory Pit Barbecue, and a pilot to name a few. He had great stories. He could have written a book, and many encouraged him to do so. But he would tell everyone that the greatest thing he ever did was to give his heart to Jesus at a Billy Graham Crusade in Oklahoma City in 1957. It was a decision that convicted him to change direction, wanting others to know Christ, and also surrendering his life to the ministry. Our dad never left his Savior although he suffered from PTSD, a very real disease for many. He finished well with his family and made sure those he loved knew it. We will miss him, but we know hes with his Savior Jesus Christ as well as his wife and his son, Rick. He was a 93-year-old WWII veteran and served proudly. We honor him gladly and love him deeply. . Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Thursday, May 05, 2022 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Viewing Thursday 8am-8pm at Mercer-Adams Memorial Service Council Road Baptist Church Chapel Friday, May 06, 2022 1:00 PM 2900 N. Council Road Bethany, Oklahoma 73008