David Banning, Sr., 64 of Libby

David Banning, Sr., 64, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012.  

He was born on July 12, 1947, to John and Doris (Dalz) Banning.  He was raised in Whitefish, Mont.  

Dave went into the Marine Corps at 17.  He served in Vietnam as a “tunnel rat,” where he was wounded twice, receiving two Purple Hearts.  After he recovered, he returned to Whitefish where he worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for several years.  He then started working for the U.S. Forest Service.  

Dave worked for Tally Lake District for several years before he transferred to the Spotted Bear District.  While there he built trails in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.  He also fought fires for the Forest Service; anywhere they needed him, until he retired.  

After he retired, Dave and his wife Anita moved to Libby, where they have lived for the last 20 years.  

Dave had a great love of the outdoors and loved to hike, fish and garden.  He loved to spend time with and play with his grandchildren.  They were a true joy and comfort to him in his last years.  “Grandpa David” will be greatly missed.  

Dave also loved to play with his precious Dachshunds.  He had several over the years, and they gave him great joy in his later years.  

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; three of his sisters; and his two precious dachshunds, Midnight and Patches.

Dave is survived by his wife of 22 years, Anita Banning; his five sons David Jr., James, Jessie, Joshua and Travis; three sisters Marilyn, Sharon, Linda and their families; his two stepchildren Clayton McBroom, Jr. and wife, Shandell; and Kris Bowers and husband, Bill; many grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. – noon on Friday, April 20, 2012, at the Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home with the graveside military service at 2 p.m. at the City of Libby Cemetery.  A potluck will follow at the Libby VFW.