Donald Banning

Donald Banning

73, of Troy

Donald Clyde Banning, 73, of Troy, passed away Monday Jan. 11, 2016, at Lake View Healthcare Center in Bigfork of natural causes. He was born Sept. 30, 1942, in Whitefish, to Donald E. and Marion (Perry) Banning.  

Don grew up and attended school in Troy, graduating with the class of 1960. While in school, he participated in all sports and was a standout in track. He held the Class C state record in the half-mile for many years. While at Troy High School, he earned 11 varsity letters.  

Don joined the United States Navy right after high school. He served as a radioman for three years. He was stationed in Hawaii and while there he attended BYU Hawaii for three years. After being discharged from the Navy, he was recruited by AT & T to work as a communication expert. He participated in the union and later went to work for the Communication Workers of America, where he was elected president, and retired in 1981.

Following his retirement, he moved to Palo Verde, Calif., where he fished every day. Don returned to Troy and on July 22, 2008, Don married Patti Arnold in Libby. 

He served as Mayor of Troy and served on the Troy City Council. He was instrumental in building Roosevelt Park in Troy. Don was a huge sports fan and loved the San Diego Chargers and Padres.  

He will be missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael, and sisters Anita and Melody.

Survivors include his wife Patti Banning of Troy; daughter, Jill; son, Patrick; brother Terry Bannning (Carol) of San Pedro, Calif.; sister Jinx Knotek of Boise, Idaho and two granddaughters, Allison and Lauren.

Services for Don were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Troy, with interment following at the Troy Cemetery. Visitation was from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016 at the church. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.