Mark Samuel Banner

The Ride of a Lifetime

Mark Samuel Banner, 58 of Etterville, Missouri left his earthly home in the arms of Mary in their bed on December 4, 2019.  He was born July 17, 1961 in Jefferson City, Missouri to Sam and Pat (Thomson) Banner.  He was the first grandchild of Tom and Maggie Banner all of whom he joined in Heaven.  Mark was a truck driver Pat said from when he was old enough to drive his little truck in the kitchen backing perfectly into the cabinets ramming them and doing it all over again.  Mark grew up in the trucking era and the big trucks, breaker breaker and the convoys and all those things.  He loved listening to country music and driving in the truck following in his Dad’s footsteps.  He was part of Sam Banner Trucking hauling cows, then he bought his own brand new truck a 1987 Peterbilt Classic and becoming Mark Banner Trucking.  He was married to Darlene Rush and there were three boys, Bradley, Brandon, and Brady from their marriage.  On December 31, 1996 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas he was united in marriage to Mary Beth (McCreery) Taylor Banner.  They traveled all over hauling cows and then freight to Florida. 

They went on trips with Mary Kay and Rainbow and had their own store in Eldon.  Mark had two Harley’s which they both loved to ride.  Mark loved to fish and go camping with his family with all the grandkids together.  Camping made him the most happy.  One of his last trips was this summer at the Lake of the Ozarks for the First Annual “McCreery Mayhem”, where he fished out on the dock with his brother in law Alan and just enjoyed family.  The last couple of years he farmed with Brian Wrye.  He loved that. He had finally found peace and completely enjoyed life!!! He did a job he loved and could be at home with his family, enjoying his grandkids.  He loved church with his family.  Mark had been attending Eastside but missed out on a lot out on the road.  Even on the road he talked about his little Pastor.  Even after he got sick he never missed a Sunday service with Sister Huffman.  He couldn’t wait until Sunday and Wednesday nights for services.  “Sister was his twenty-four hour extension to God.”  He knew he could call on her any time to pray with him, to pray the pain away so he could sleep.  He loved her so much.  His last Sunday he couldn’t make it to church so church came to him. 

Mark is leaving behind a great legacy.  He will forever be missed by friends from all over the country, several lifelong buddies, Harold Houston, Mark Baucom, David Abbott, Robert Haynes and Turkey.  Also some trucking buddies, Jonesie, Jim Goodlander, Leon and many too numerous to mention.

Mark was preceded in death by so many family members, his father Sam, mother Pat and sister Shelly.  His Banner grandparents, Tom and Maggie, and maternal grandparents Virgil and “Grinning Granny” Amy Thomson; aunt Rosie; and just last year his cousin, Lisa (Banner) Pope.

Surviving of the home is his soulmate and best friend, Mary; three sons, Bradley (Brittany); Brandon (Keri); Brady (Emily); all of Eldon and Tuscumbia; step son, Shayne Taylor (Alesia) of Springfield; his grandchildren include, Kylie Johannes; Ella Brooke Banner; Bentley Nicholas Banner; Lincoln Samuel Banner; Blair Renee Banner; Brennan (Brennie Baby) Nicole Banner; Jude Hudson Banner, and newest grandson that Mark was just getting to know and spend time with, Bennett Earl Banner; his sister Misty Sechrest (Donnie); uncles Charlie and Larry Banner and families; Roger Thomson of Higginsville, MO and family; parents in law, Lee and Pat McCreery, sisters in law, Lisa Hill (Daryle); Dawn Cain; Suzy Kempker (Alan); grandmother in law, Beulah McCreery; lots of nieces and nephews and lots of greats.  He loved all the kids.  Mark was ready to go meet Jesus and live eternally in Heaven.  Although we that loved him dearly are happy for him having a brand new body and being pain free.  We will never be the same without PaPa and will miss him horribly.  Please remember us!!! “Ride High Mark in Heaven”, “Until We Meet Again”

Visitation will be Sunday, December 15, 2019 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Eastside Assembly of God Church of Eldon, MO with a Celebration of his Life at 5:00 PM with Sister Buena Huffman officiating.  Burial will be private for the family.

Memorials in his name are suggested In Care of the Family at P.O. Box 5 Eldon, MO 65026.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.       

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