Rex C. Banta

Rex Charles Banta passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 75, at home in Newark, Illinois. He was born on September 15, 1950 in Greensburg, Kansas, to parents Frank (Clair) and Wilda Banta. Rex married Brenda Welch on November 2nd, 1974.

Rex moved to Illinois in 2013 after retiring from Eastman Kodak in Colorado. He enjoyed gardening and working with the ground, and eating the fruits of his labor. Rex appreciated reading, especially science fiction and westerns. He loved games, whether sports or card games. Most of all, he wanted to spend time with the family that he loved and was proud of. Rex was a big friendly man, with a warm and loving smile. A real teddy-bear.

Rex was a beloved member of the Sandwich Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where he served as an elder. He looked forward to living forever on Earth and helping to cultivate it into a paradise, based on Bible promises such as Psalm 37:29, “The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.”

Rex is survived by his wife Brenda; his children, Cheree and husband Paul Wehrmeister, Cameron and wife Rebekah Banta, and Casey and husband Scott Fisher; grandchildren, Xavier, Dinara, and Onyx Wehrmeister, and Eden and Nora Banta; brother, Tracy Banta; sister, Deanna Unruh.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Wilda Banta; brothers, Bob and Chris Banta.

Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com