RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Don A. Banta has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Don A. Banta was a widely admired member of the legal community and the loving husband for 64 years of Maxine, nee Edwards; and
WHEREAS, Don A. Banta was the much-adored father of Stephanie, Meredith, John and Hillary and the grandfather of six to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Raised on a farm outside Joliet, Don A. Banta served his country in the military during World War II and fought at the Battle of the Bulge; and
WHEREAS, A recipient of the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge, Don A. Banta was among the first American troops to enter Nazi Germany and participated in the capture of Hermann Goering Barracks; and
WHEREAS, Following the war, Don A. Banta resumed his studies at Northwestern University where he earned his undergraduate and law degrees; and
WHEREAS, Don A. Banta served as an attorney for Montgomery Ward & Company prior to becoming a partner in a law firm bearing his name where he specialized in labor law for four decades; and
WHEREAS, During his long and illustrious career, Don A. Banta distinguished himself as a highly successful trial lawyer, labor negotiator and counselor to multinational corporations; and
WHEREAS, Don A. Banta and his wife raised their children in Deerfield before retiring to downtown Chicago where they loved to walk to a host of destinations and participate in cultural activities; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Don A. Banta serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Don A. Banta to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, Don A. Banta was an individual of great integrity and accomplishment who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Don A. Banta imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this fifteenth day of April, 2015, do hereby commemorate Don A. Banta for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Don A. Banta.