Obituary of Robert David Banta

Robert David Banta, 87, of Rockledge, Florida, passed away on February 27, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born to parents Wallace Eugene Banta and Florence Margaret Happ, on September 17,1936 in Rochester, New York. Robert graduated from Austin High School and took several classes at Texas A & M, Brevard Community College, and Rollins but never graduated. With his notable education that he received while growing up in El Paso, Texas he started his career at White Sands Missile Range then was told of a place in Florida called Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and NASA. So, he backed his bags and decided to travel 2000 miles to see the rockets, write a book, and get rich. Every time a rocket goes up, I think of my dad’s part in the beginning of our travel to space.

He married Ruth Ann (Susan) Case, in 1969, who survives him. Robert is survived by Barbara Banta-Kreyling and husband Frank, and four grandchildren Kyle, Rosa, Sarah, and Luke. Robert was predeceased by his parents Wallace Banta, Florence Pyatt, and Jake, sister Suzanne Alice Banta.

Robert first and for most loved God almighty and his son Jesus Christ out Lord. When he made the decision the follow that path, he always had a bible in his hand. He didn’t understand why until he read Isaiah 61: 1, the Lord was anointing him to be a preacher. He also had a love for motorcycle riding which he did for 35 years. Enjoyed many hobbies; Reading mystery novels, listing to classical music, photography, mechanics, designing and building things small or big things, building model rockets and airplanes. He had a lot of knowledge when it came to math and tried to write a math book which was one of his dreams.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 9 a.m. at Rockledge Church of Christ. Will have a viewing and visitation, service, potluck, burial to follow at Winter Beach Pioneer Cemetery in Indian River County.