William A. Banfield

Marion- William A. Banfield, 81, of Marion, passed away at 8:15 PM, Saturday, November 1, 2008 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. He was born on January 13, 1927 in Carlisle, IN to Fred & Fonnie (McKnight) Banfield. He married his wife of sixty one years, Viola Gallian, on April 25, 1947 in Gary, IN. She survives of Marion. Bill served in the U.S. Navy in the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he worked as a union carpenter, millwright, and coal miner. He served as president of UMWA local 1337 at Sunspot Mine in Vermont, IL. He was a member of the American Legion in Sullivan and the Marion VFW Post #1301. He also belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Dugger, IN. was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason and a member of the Zorah Shrine in Terre Haute, IN. Bill was a skilled craftsman, carpenter and mechanic and was issued a U.S. patent for one of his inventions. He enjoyed the outdoors and fishing and had a special fondness for the Wabash River of his youth. Survivors include- Wife- Viola Banfield of Marion Son & daughter in law- Ronald & Dianne Banfield of Marion Son & daughter in law- Donald & Patty Banfield of Herrin Daughter & son in law- Beth & Joe Karback of Pana, IL Son & daughter in law- Matthew & Holly Banfield of Sullivan, IN Grandchildren: Deanna Ross & husband Mike of Marion Jennifer Stephens & husband Jay of Cumming, GA Jena Cutsinger & husband Brian of Pittsburg Dallas Lay &husband Keith of Unionville, TN Reagan Banfield of Sullivan, IN McKenzie Banfield of Sullivan, IN Great Grandchildren- Josh, P.J., Austin, Kyle, Bryce, Devin, Connor, Hannah & Colton He was preceded in death by his parents and twelve brothers and sisters. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial arrangements were made by Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital (Burn Center) and will be accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home/ 800 N. Market St./ Marion, IL 62959.