Michael Banta

Michael “Mike” Carl Banta of Casa Grande, Arizona
Passed away surrounded by family in the comfort of his home on February 16, 2022.
Michael was born May 29, 1941, in Louisville, Kentucky. As a young adult, he served his community as a firefighter but he was enamored by the stories of the west. He dreamt of the rodeo cowboy lifestyle and his travels took him to Nebraska and Wyoming. While those pursuits were fun, they were physically demanding and ultimately he left cowboy life to become an over-the-road trucker. He enjoyed driving for many years until he met the love of his life - Laura.
Michael fell in love immediately and made a life changing professional decision in order to stay near Laura. He became a welder, auto body shop owner, and jack of all trades just be with her. Inevitably, his passion for the road was shared by Laura and they ended up driving over-the-road together for many years.
After retirement Michael and Laura relocated from Denver to Casa Grande and have been residents for more than 10 years. Michael was an active member of A.A. and was sober since 1977. He enjoyed shooting, collecting guns and reloading ammunition. He was a devoted Harley Davidson rider and you could often find him riding his beloved motorcycle all across the desert southwest.
Michael was honored and proud to be of service to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department as a vigilant and dedicated Posse volunteer. His call sign was Paul-181 and he was the go-to member of the Posse for many of the department’s deputies.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a loyal friend. Michael was very loved and will be missed by all that had the opportunity to know him.
Michael is survived by Laura Banta, his loving wife of 43 years, and his children Randall (Marcella), Matthew (Gloria), Shannan (Timothy), grandchildren Justin, Ryan, Shayna, Brandan, Ashley, Cassie, Ethan, Nicholas, Jordan and great-grandchildren; Gia, Audrey, Reagan, Moira, Sammy, and Sophie.
Memorial services for Michael will be held at 11:00am on Saturday February 26, 2022 at J. Warren Cole & Maud Gardens Chapel, 525 N. Peart Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122. A reception will follow at the J. Warren Event hall.
Flowers can be sent to J. Warren: attn Michael Banta. Testimonials are welcome and can be left at www.JWarrenFuneral.com. A Facebook live streaming event will be available at https://m.facebook.com/groups/670959250711066/