Clifford William Banta
1925-2003

Services will be held for lifetime Hammil Valley resident Clifford William Banta, 77, on Saturday, Aug. 30, 
at the Brune & Buck Mortuary Chapel in Bishop at 10 a.m.  Jim Upson, Past Master of the Winnedumah Lodge No. 
287, will officiate.

Additionally, after the graveside service, there will be a gathering at Don and Rita Banta's home in Bishop, 
where food and beverages will be available for friends and family.

Born in Bishop on Nov. 7, 1925, Mr. Banta died on Aug. 23, 2003 in Reno, Nev.

All who had the opportunity to know him knew he was an extraordinary man, his family said.  After graduating 
from Bishop High School in 1943, he attended Fresno State for a short period of time until his country 
called.  Cliff joined the Air Force in 1944 and fought in World War II, flying 33 combat missions over Japan 
in a B-29.  After completing his duty, he returned to the University of Nevada Reno and graduated.  While at 
UNR, he was a member of the Ski Team and ATO fraternity.  Cliff returned to Lee Vining and took over the 
petroleum distributing plant, later to become Banta petroleum.

He was a member of the Winnedumah Lodge No. 287, a shriner, a mason, an Elk and a member of E Clampus Vitus.  
He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and flew his own plane for 25 years.  He was often at the farmer's 
market, sharing his amazing crops.

Cliff will be missed by all.  His family and friends will miss the joy and love that he shared throughout his 
life.  "We miss you Dad," his children wrote.

Clifford is survived by his wife of 40 years, June A. Banta of Hammil Valley; son, Thomas Banta and wife 
Julie of Roy, Utah; daughter, Peggy Ledelle and husband Michael of Grants Pass, Ore.; daughter, Lynda Fisher 
and husband Jeffrey of Reno; brother, Don Banta and wife Rita of Lee Vining; sister, Betty Haskins and 
husband Brad of Casa Grande, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Cliff, Keith, Christina, Nick, Nickolas and Katey; 
three great-grandchildren, Alex, Nathan and Alora; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mono Basin Historical Society in Lee Vining.

Interment will be at the East Line Street Cemetery.

The Inyo Register, Bishop, Inyo County, California
Thursday, August 28, 2003 - Page A2
Transcribed by Denise S. Flynn