Larry Banning

Larry Banning was born to Bud and Edie Banning in Des Moines, Iowa on May 10, 1938. He passed away peacefully on July 19, 2023 at his home. Larry married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn, on June 10, 1960 and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage together. They were blessed with two sons, Chris & Brian. Larry graduated from Iowa State University in 1960 with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and later received his Masters in Industrial Admin. from the Univ. of Michigan. Larry served his country in the U.S. Army and the Air Force.   Larry & Marilyn set out on their honeymoon for Flint, Michigan where Larry began a 32- year career with General Motors and specialized in developing high performance engines and fuel injection systems. At the peak of his career, he was Project Engineer for the ZR1 Corvette with world class LT5 engine. Larry excelled at every task he ever performed and never missed a detail!  

Larry loved being involved in his local church and taught Sunday School for over 60 years.  He and Marilyn are members of Portland Church of the Nazarene. He had a passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through organizations like Gideons International of which he was a lifetime member.  He also loved supporting The Jesus Film project because it reached millions of people. He loved the Word of God and shared his faith whenever he was given the opportunity.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved father, mother and brother, Don. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, sons Chris (Sue) Banning and Brian Banning whom he dearly loved, as well as his grandchildren, Lindsay (Vincent) Olivares, Joshua Banning, Lucas (Katie) Banning and Logan (Elaine) Banning. He was also great grandpa to two great granddaughters, Emberly Olivares and Jessi Grace Banning.

Funeral services will be held at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home in White House, Tennessee. Visitation with Larry’s family will be on Friday, July 28 from 4:00-7:00 p.m.  Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 29 at Cole & Garrett with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and celebration of life to follow.  Burial will be at the White House Memorial Gardens.  

In lieu of flowers, Larry’s wishes were that donations be made to the Portland Church of the Nazarene-Children’s Ministry.  Portland Nazarene Church, 409 S. Russell Street, Portland, TN  37148