IN MEMORIAM: E. Ferris Banner, 97;
Lifelong Dairy Farmer, Livestock Dealer
ONEONTA – Calling hours are this evening for E. Ferris Banner, 97, a livelong farmer and livestock dealer who passed away on Monday, Aug. 13, 2018, at Cooperstown Center nursing home.
The calling hours are 5-7 p.m. at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St. A graveside service will take place privately at the convenience of the family in Milford Cemetery.
Ferris was born in Davenport on July 3, 1921, the son of Fred A. and Madge (Loucks) Banner. Shortly after he was born, he moved to the Banner family dairy farm, where he spent the rest of his days working the family farm with this brother Carl and then eventually his son Duane.
He graduated from Milford Central School in 1940. He married Gladys Cornell on Sept. 28, 1946.
Ferris devoted his life to maintaining the upkeep and pristine appearance of the Banner family farm, even after it had been sold in 1992. He was a livestock dealer and part-owner of the Milford Commission Livestock Stables in Milford.
Family was extremely important to him and he doted over his two children, four grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a simple man who enjoyed quiet walks through the woods and appreciated the pure beauty of nature. He spent time feeding his Koi fish, mowing lawns, weed-whacking, cutting firewood, hunting, and gardening. He was a man who enjoyed his desserts and blackberry brandy. Ferris never missed a home cooked meal by his daughter, Janet.
Ferris leaves behind his son, Duane F. Banner (Marge); grandchildren, Wendy Chase, Tracy Ross (David), Deanna Gray (Chris), and Star Banner; great grandchildren, Matthew, Dylan and Kaylee Ross, Cody and Connor Gray, and Mason Hannan; son-in-law Fred Maloof; sister-in-law Shirley Udder Banner; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife Gladys; his daughter, Janet Banner Maloof, and his siblings, Carl Banner, Betty Banner Monser, and Marjorie Banner VanBuren.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Milford EMS and Fire Department.
To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.