Calvin S. "Mike" Banner

Asheville - Calvin Stuart Mike Banner, 76, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at the Mission Hospitals Intensive Care Unit. He had led a courageous battle with emphysema. A native of Buncombe County, he was a graduate of Swannanoa High School and also attended Warren Wilson College and Boston Technical College in Massachusetts. He was a member of Oakley United Methodist Church for 30 years. He was also a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War on the USS Norton Sound from 1949 through 1952. He was a self-employed tool and die maker for some 35 years. He had built prototype machines for the American Enka Corporation, Square D Company and other tool and die fixtures for various companies. In his later years, he specialized in making surgical steel instruments for various local doctors. He also loved doing work for Biltmore Estate, having made security enclosements for many precious antiques. His favorite pastime, when he was able, was to drive through the estate grounds with his wife and have a picnic at the lake. Mr. Banner was the son of the late Mary Gash Banner and Paul Redd Banner. His first wife, Captola Banner and their sons, Paul Banner and Larry Banner also preceded him in death. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Judy Banner; daughters, Vicki Banner of Fairview, Patty Inman of Oakley, Kelly Banner Shreffler and husband Garrett of Weaverville, Denise Flynn and husband Carson of Fairview and Donna Martin of Oakley; sons, Richard Martin and wife Laura of Bartlett, TN, and Scott Martin and wife Donna of Longwood, FL; sister, Patty Mills and husband Gene of Fort Mill, SC and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, all of which he adored. Visitation will be at the Oakley United Methodist Church, 607 Fairview Road, in the Oakley Community on Friday, June 29th at 10:30 A.M. with services at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Russell Pierce officiating. Lunch for the family will be served following the service in the fellowship hall. A short memorial service will be at the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain at 3:30 Friday afternoon with the Rev. John Davis officiating. Anders-Rice Funeral Home, 1428 Patton Avenue, will be assisting the family. Flowers are welcome. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to: The American Lung Association, 84 Villa Road, Greenville, SC 29615.