Pettis County, Mo., Obituary

Lyle Eugene Banner, 22, Harrisonville, son of Onlee and Wanda Banner, was born April 6, 1972, at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton. He died Sunday, March 20, 1995, near Huntingdale, as a result of a pickup accident.

Lyle has one sister, Debbie Wood and his brother-in-law, Mark who he considered his own brother. Lyle has three young nephews, Wade, Ryan and Tyler who he adored and spoiled. Lyle's grandmother, Opal Biggs, also survives and is of the home. He also leaves behind his girlfriend, Julia Johnson and her family, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins who truly loved him and will miss him. Lyle was raised in Clinton all his life until November of last year when his parents moved to Harrisonville.

Lyle had recently returned from Idaho where he had taken a short term job for Goss Fire Protection Company and he had just begun work for an independent constructor of residential homes. Lyle was a true lover of the outdoors. He spent many happy hours with his family and friends, fishing and skiing on Truman Lake. His favorite hobby was fishing and Lyle had many successful fishing tales. He also enjoyed hunting and looking for arrowheads. Lyle was an avid lover of all sports. He played baseball as a child and also tried his hand at basketball and football.

During his high school years Lyle's love turned to wrestling. Lyle and his family enjoyed many meets, tournaments and trips together that were associating with Lyle's wrestling. During Lyle's senior year in high school he placed second at State and was named most improved wrestler and co-captain of the 1989-90 Clinton High School Wrestling Team. Lyle was awarded a wrestling scholarship at Missouri Valley College where he attended two semesters. During the spring term Lyle was on the Dean's List there. Lyle's love of competition, as well as his love for his nephews, made him a wonderful coach and role model. He coached his eldest nephew, Wade, to a 23-11 wrestling season. Although some people may think of Lyle as having been rough and tough, those who truly knew him knew that he had the softest, kindest heart and that Lyle would go to any length to help someone. Lyle brought laughter and sunshine to many people. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye for which he will always be remembers.

Funeral services were held at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Wednesday, March 22, 1995, at 10 a.m. with James L. Bourland and Ray Niles officiating. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton.

Pallbearers were Mike Johnson, Craig Hoskins, Brady Brown, Chris Kirk, Shane Hills, Roland Johnson, Jeff Hunter and Chris Spangler. Honorary pallbearers were Ed Walrath, Doug Walrath, Cody Kirk, Chad Beebe, Mike Lovejoy, Phillip Todd, Jason Elkins, Kendall Koch, Mike McGinness Cowsert, Brad Saddoris, Eric Finks, Shane Green, Dannie Bradshaw, Brandon Peck, Dan Simms, Ben Banner and Ryan Keith.