Norman L. Banas

Norman L. Banas, 78, born in Whiting, IN on April 24, 1931; He passed away at home surrounded and comforted by his family. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruth nee Kress. His sons, Daniel, Kenneth and Paul (Donna) Banas; daughter, Susan (James) Kissee; grandchildren, Nicole (Stephen) Waddell, Jacqueline Banas, Geoffrey Bach, Jordanne Banas, Jill (Ryan) Schneider, James (Erin) Kissee, Jaclyn and Katlyn Kissee, Andrea Reed; great grandchildren, Adison and Caden Schneider; many nieces and nephews; sisters in law, Mary Biedron, Catherine Cernak, Dorothy (Tom) Hallissey and Margaret Hasse; brothers in law, Richard (Georgene) Kress, William (Bernie) Kress and Joseph (Bobi) Kress; preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Mary Banas, brother, Donald (Jeri) Banas; sisters, Ceil Seavers and Barbara Kress. Norm was a Clark High School graduate, Class of 1949; He received his bachelor degree from Purdue University in 1953 and his Masters Degree from Indiana State Teachers College in 1958. He was a teacher and coach at both Clark High School and Gavit High School; Norm played football, basketball and baseball at Purdue University; Member of the Highland Elks Lodge for over 50 years and Elk of the Year in 1996-1997, life member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Norm served in the U.S. Navy and was a member for over 50 years at the American Legion Post 80, Kiwanis Club President in 1976-1977, he earned his real estate brokers license in 1984, coached 34 years in the Hammond School System, became a member of the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame 1984, member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church since 1962 and member of STM Ushers Club and Holy Name Society. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 7, 2010 from 3:00-8:00 PM at Kish Funeral Home 10000 Calumet Ave. (next to Fitness Pointe) Munster, IN with a prayer service at 4:00 PM and the Highland Elks will hold an Elks Service at 7:00 PM; A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 10:00 Am at St. Thomas More Church, Munster, IN with Fr. Michael Yadron Officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 9:30-10:00 at the church; In lieu of flowers, contributions to the SHARE Foundation, the Elk’s Cancer Fund or the St. Thomas More Endowment Fund, in his memory would be appreciated.