Burnett B. Banton, SR
June 3, 1928 - May 17, 2009
Obituary
Burnett Barney B. Banton Sr.
Passed away May 17th, 2009 at the age of 80 after a long battle with Alzheimers. He was born on June 3rd, 1928 in Butternut, Michigan to Glenn and Irena Banton, and was the youngest of 5 children.
He graduated from high school in Traverse City Michigan. He enlisted in the United States Navy in December of 1948, and he served his country for 30 years, retiring from active duty in 1968 and from the Naval Reserve in 1978.
After being divorced from his first wife Lavonne in 1957, he was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. In 1959, he was instrumental in creating the Yokosuka Chindonya Band. Members of the band mastered ancient Japanese instruments and performed on television, before live audiences and to orphanages in Japan.
In 1964, Barney met the love of his life Helena Mae Lee Spurrell, and they were married on November 12th 1965 at her parent’s house in West Seattle. In 1968, Barney adopted Lee’s children and they moved to Michigan. In 1973, they returned to the Seattle area where Barney worked for Safeco Insurance Company until his retirement. In 1954 Barney was initiated into the Masonic Fraternity in Yokosuka Lodge #20. He joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1969, while living in Michigan. After moving to Seattle, Barney affiliated with West Seattle Lodge #287 and served as Worshipful Master in 1980. He and Lee served as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron of West Seattle Chapter in 1981. In 1996, Barney was escort to his wife Lee while she served as Worthy Grand Matron for the State of Washington. Barney and Lee made many lifelong friends throughout the Masonic and Eastern Star fraternities.
Barney was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lee in 2005. He is survived by his son Burnett Banton Jr., his wife Suzanne and their son Zachary, his son Mark Banton and his wife Annie, and his daughter Leann Rozema, her husband Mark and their daughters Angela and Jordan Stewart-Rozema.
A celebration of his life and a Masonic Memorial will be held on June 27th, 2009 at 2:00 PM at the Alki Masonic Temple located at 4736 40th Ave S.W. Seattle, WA.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances are suggested to the American Alzheimer’s Society.
‘Just tell me old shipmates, I’m taking a trip mates and I’ll see you someday on Fiddlers Green’.
Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.
I enjoyed knowing and visiting with Barney. He was a very special person – – I knew him at Safeco, as well as through Eastern Star. With sympathy and love. Sorry I could not be at the service today.
We know you are a free last and able to dance with your love again. Your were a gentle man and we will remember you always.
We send “Starduster” love.
Dear Leann and Mark: It was such a privilege to know Barney at Rosewood Courte and have him and my beloved Al chum around together in their time there. And so special for me to meet you, and Angela and spend time together at RC and to share that lst thanksgiving dinner at RC with you. I think we gave support to one another in the time that we spent at RC visiting your beloved dad and my Al. Sending loving thoughts to you and yours and know you have such wonderful memories of your dad. Love to you both, Gerry Boursse
We have fond memories of you and Lee.
We enjoyed the time that we were able to spend with Uncle Barney and Aunt Lee. He has a special place in our hearts.
Our prayers and thoughts are with his family.