Obituaries
Craig A. Banner, 89
December 24, 1930 - December 11, 2020
On December 11, 2020, Craig A. Banner, 89, of Lancaster, had his bag packed one last time. But this time, we don’t refer to his three times a week dialysis bag, his fishing bag, hunting bag, or overnight sailing bag. We mean, he was ready to go be with Jesus. He told his story of accepting Jesus as his Savior. His bag was packed. He was ready to go.
Born, near the river in Columbia, PA, on December 24, 1930, he was the son of Samuel F. and Ruth (Kreider) Banner. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1948, and quickly started training as a watchmaker for Hamilton Watch Company. In 1950, Craig enlisted in the Naval Reserves and trained with them for eight years, while continuing to work. He was a dedicated and integral employee of the production team at Hamilton Watch Co, for 40 years, until his retirement.
Craig married the love of his life, Ruth Metzler, on February 26, 1954. Together, they built their family home in Millersville with their own two hands, raised four children, doted on six grandchildren, and created joy for all their great-grandchildren. Two of the “grands” share his name. Craig was dedicated to his family in every way. He worked hard to provide for his family. Craig taught his children how to make the most of what they had and instilled in them the ideals of problem solving and resilience in the face of adversity. Most importantly he helped them foster a relationship with God. Craig was a devout Christian and a member of Millersville Community Churches, formerly Grace United Methodist Church. He was active in the church and ensured that his children were active as well. He assisted as an usher, ran the sound system, helped repair and maintain the church, and played the handbells. Kind, generous, and hardworking, his service of others was also in service to the Lord. It was said Craig did more by accident than most people did on purpose.
Craig was very active and was an avid outdoorsman. One of his greatest enjoyments was fishing in the Susquehanna, along with sailing on Lake Marburg, hunting small game (of which he got many) and deer (of which he didn’t), and riding his motorcycle anywhere he could, especially with his children or wife on the back. He also liked playing pool, skiing, and in his later years playing the guitar and mandolin. When health and age became a factor in bringing an end to one activity, Craig took up something new. He never stopped learning.
Craig received dialysis three times a week for eight years. Despite how difficult the treatments could be, he enjoyed spending time with the incredible staff of Davita. Craig’s family is so grateful for them and their dedicated care.
Craig will be dearly missed by his wife of 66 years, Ruth, his children; Diane Sheaffer and her husband David Sr., Bruce Banner and his wife Angie, Neal Banner and his wife Lisa, and Renee’ Hoffman and her husband Jerry, his grandchildren; Anita Schaeffer, David Sheaffer Jr., Matthew Banner, Brittany Rogers and her husband Brian, Jason A. Hoffman and his wife Rachael, and Erica Mays, and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Glenn Banner and his wife Dorothy. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lois Hostetter.
All services will be private and will be held at the convenience of the family in one of Craig’s favorite places. His wife, Ruth, and family would love to read any stories, messages, or condolences.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
December 26, 2020
Dear Banner family,
we would like to offer our condolences to each of you but would like to concentrate on how much we admired and respected Craig! He did not complain but was so appreciative of visits and grateful for the smallest things. We remember how much he loved playing in the handbell choir. At first he just did the two largest bells because others could not handle their weight. He then went on to tackle playing all the bells in one song and played solos! I also remember his pride in patiently working with all the children in the church who were willing to be an acolyte. How pleased he was when they overcame their fears and did the job with reverence! Years ago he gifted me with a very special block of wood that had small pieces of wood glued to it spelling out the name Jesus. I still carry that with me and am amazed by how touched others are when they can see and read the word Jesus! I am certain that Jesus greeted him with arms wide open and said: “Well done, good and faithful servant. with much love, Bill and Barbara Skelly
December 25, 2020
I was blessed to work with Mr. Banner during his treatments. I always looked forward to talking with him when I was there to see him. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the team that cared for him. He was such a great person.
Angel Abramo
December 22, 2020
As a Woodcrest neighbor of Craig and Ruth’s, I want to offer my condolences and sympathy to Craig’s family. I enjoyed visiting with Craig and Ruth and their encouraging words when I would see them in the halls.
God’s peace and comfort to all the family as you remember a very accomplished and dedicated man.
Blessings to you. Marilyn Beardslee
December 21, 2020
I have fond memories of growing up with the Banner family.
Craig riding motorcycle and taking us for short rides as well
Craig target shooting bow and arrow
Sleep outs and Ruth always having powdered donuts for our breakfast
Arriving to play in the morning and Captain Kangaroo was on
Driving Bruce to school in the mornings
Playing Mother May I with Diane on the back steps at your home
Craig and Ruth were always a welcoming family. I am sorry for your loss.
Cassie Patounas (Fralich)
December 20, 2020
To Mr Glenn Banner; I am so sorry to read of the passing on of your brother. Sounds like a wonderfully good man, as are you. From a former CV student with great memories of your teaching dedication.
“Juan” Clair Hess
December 20, 2020
Dear Cousin Ruth and Family, The Metzler reunion was “Metzler” but it never seemed correct if Graig wasn’t there. From the one down on the farm in the meadow to the lastest ones Graig was the social one talking and interacting with everyone. I remember when he won the WGAL weather umbrella, I was telling everyone at work that was a “cousin”. When he spoke you just wanted to hear what he had to say of his adventures. Just a great guy all around. One year he brought his boomerang to the reunion. Ed, our son, was just young he’s now 47 love it. a week or so later, we got home there was one on our deck table. We syill have it . Ruth may your memories be as they were when they happened. Kids your dad was one of a kind.
Roy Peters
December 20, 2020
Very sad to hear this, I helped to take care of Craig back in the day. He was hysterical and such a joy! One of the best! I loved his oven mitts to keep his hands warm. One day he came in and offered me some cigars he had found downstairs weeks prior at the center. I opened the box of cigars to smell them and in the box was a baggie of marijuana, we laughed our butts off. I’m so sorry for your loss, he was amazing!
Anne Funk/Lehman
December 20, 2020
Godspeed to you speedy as I called you as u Sped around the dialysis unit. On your scootwr.You were such an amazing man and a joy to take care of. Diane and family thanks for sharing your dad with us. He will surely be missed.
Mary Nester
December 16, 2020
Diane, I loved spending three nights a week with your dad for his dialysis treatments, not sure he enjoyed it as much as I did. My heart is heavy as I miss seeing him those nights and talking and laughing with him. Prayers to you and the rest of your family. I will never forget him.
Kelly Martin
December 15, 2020
So very sorry for your loss of your Dad!
Hugs,
Linda Mullen
December 15, 2020
Dear Renee,
I send my sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless You,
Mary Kay
