John Stephen Banik was a loving Christian, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend and hero. He passed away at his home on January 14th, 2022, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He faced the challenges of Parkinson’s just like he faced everything: uncomplaining, with a strong faith in God and a fierce determination to overcome all obstacles. He was a hero to his family and would do anything he could to help them. He often helped others when he saw a need, not wanting recognition, but simply sharing what he had out of his love of the Lord.
John is survived by his mother, Gloria Banik; by his wife of 42 years, Kathy Banik; sons Philip (Kayla) Banik, Jeremy (Cheryl) Banik, and John Robert (Kelly) Banik: a brother, Troy Banik; sisters Susan (Tommy) Tuck, Debbie (John) Hamer, and Laurie (José) Guerrero; grandchildren Chanse, Kloe, Hadleigh, Sophie, Olivia, Emberly, and Madison, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John R. Banik.
John was born on February 6, 1958, in San Antonio, Texas, to John R. and Gloria Banik. He graduated from Prince George High School in Virginia in 1976, and in 1979 enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While in training in Denver, Colorado, John met and married his wife, Kathy. They were first stationed in the Philippines, where sons Philip and Jeremy were born. Their third son, John Robert, was born in Florida. John went on to be stationed in England, Colorado, and north Texas before retiring from the Air Force at Lackland Air Force base in 1999. He then worked as a civilian for 17 years at Lackland, retiring in 2017. He served in Turkey during Operation Desert Storm (1990-91), and earned a Bachelor's degree in 1997 from Wayland Baptist University.
John will be remembered for his ability to make friends with everyone, his talent for organization, his sparkle of mirth and his dry wit. He loved God, his family, fixing problems, fishing with his brother, doing jigsaw puzzles, and helping people. He was an ordained deacon and an active and dedicated member of Southern Oaks Church in Kerrville, and often helped with VBS and other projects.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Samaritans Purse at P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. The family would like to thank the staff at the Kerrville VA Medical Center and Peterson Hospice for their kind and loving care, and would also like to thank John’s life group and church family for their prayers and support.
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