Harold Banta Jr

The family of Harold (H.A.) Banta, Jr., 75, of Enid, would like you to join them in a Celebration of Life officiated by his brother-in-law Rev. Doyle Seeley, at 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The United States Army will provide military honors. Visitation is Wednesday, March 2nd from 5:00 ~ 7:00 pm at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

Harold was born October 5, 1946 in Wetumka, Oklahoma to Harold Sr., and Lucille Banta, and passed from this life on February 26, 2022.

H.A. attended elementary and junior high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and his family moved to Wetumka where he graduated high school in 1965. While in high school, he met a beautiful young woman, Barbara Seeley, the love of his life. They married on May 28, 1966 and to this union, two children were born, Stacy Denette and Jason Wade. H.A. was an only child, but when he married Barbara, he gained four brothers and two sisters whom he was so proud of and loved as his own. His family was always his first priority.

He was a welder in the early years which often took him away from home, but he never missed a holiday, birthday, or an important event; driving for hours to get home to be with his family.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 and served in the Vietnam War as a Sergeant. Upon his return, he finished his duty in Colorado Springs, CO, later making his home in Enid, Oklahoma where he worked as a welder and then as an oil and gas pipeline inspector. He was an honest, hardworking, and caring man who loved life and laughter. He loved jokes and sharing stories. Being with his wife and family gave him his greatest joy. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, western movies and spending time with Barbara on the patio in the quiet mornings and evenings watching wild life.

He provided his grandchildren with endless years of love, life lessons, pool parties and family vacations.

Harold is survived by his wife Barbara (Seeley) Banta, of the home, his daughter, Stacy Overton of Enid, his granddaughter Megan Thompson and husband Tommy, of Stillwater, grandson Trevor Miller of Enid and grandson Jordan Miller of Enid. His great-grandchildren Avalynn, Lakelynn and Bennett Thompson also survive him.

He is preceded in death by his 4-year-old son, Jason Wade, his parents, Harold Sr. and Lucille, and son-in-law Jay.

Memorial contributions in Harold’s name may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds.

Condolences may be made, memories shared and services viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com.