NEWTON — John Banman, 95, died Nov. 29, at Kidron Bethel Health Care in North Newton. Born on June 23, 1918 in Canton, he was the son of Jacob and Helen (Pankratz) Banman. He graduated from Newton High School, attended Bethel College for one year prior to completing his bachelor’s degree at Wichita State University in 1940. Two years later he received the first master’s degree given in clarinet performance from Northwestern University. He was a music educator for over 65 years in Clearwater, Ellinwood, and Great Bend.
Mr. Banman served in the United States Army as a medic. He was a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church and the Kidron Health Care Community.
Survivors include his children, daughter, Nancy Banman; and son Paul Banman. He was preceded in death by, his wife, Iris (Wetz) Banman; brothers Paul and Anton Banman; sister Katherine Mason.
A memorial service will be held at a later time at Bethel College Mennonite Church. The John Banman Memorial Fund has been set up for the Bethel College Music Department.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Peterson Family Funeral Home
215 N. Main  
Newton, Ks. 67114
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Dec. 4, 2013