Randy K. Banning (71) of Cowden

Randy K. Banning, 71, of Cowden, Illinois, a cherished son, devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandpa, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2023, at his home with his family by his side after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Born on September 5, 1952, in Shelbyville, the son of Hanley and Margaret (Phillips) Banning. He was a 1970 graduate of Cowden High School, continued his studies at Lake Land College where he graduated in 1972, and later attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. On December 3, 1977, Randy married Christy Hamilton, in Shelbyville. Randy's professional life was marked by dedication and hard work. He worked at World Color Press for nine years and later spent 25 years as an over-the-road truck driver, a job that took him across the country. He attended the Fourth Street United Methodist Church in Shelbyville. He enjoyed sitting by a campfire listening to the nighttime critters, walking through the woods, and mushroom hunting. His passion for the outdoors also included bird dog hunting and riding his motorcycle, a machine he had amusingly trained to stop at all ice cream shops. Yet, above all, Randy's greatest joy was found in the time spent with his kids and grandkids. He had a special tradition of giving gold dollar coins to his grandkids, a gesture that became a treasured memory for the little ones.

Randy's legacy is carried on by his loving wife, Christy of Cowden; his daughters, Dr. Whitney (Allan) Anthonysamy of St. Charles, MO, and Dr. Shannon (Bradley) Wilson of Carbondale; his adored grandkids, Boone and Asher Wilson and Finley Anthonysamy; his brother, Rick (Leslie) Banning of Sheldon; his sister-in-law, Gayle Banning of Bethany; and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Debby and Wayne Gray and Todd and Larry Burk, all of Shelbyville.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Phil and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Carl and Joan Hamilton.

Funeral services to celebrate Randy's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden, with Pastor Linda Trent officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorials may be given in Randy’s honor to the Cowden First Responders, Saving Orphaned Animals of Shelby County or treat someone to a root beer float or a bag of jelly beans. Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story by clicking here.