Roger Dale Banning, 70, of Virden formerly of Springfield was called to his heavenly home on Friday, August 1, 2025 at Sunrise Skilled Nursing and Rehab in Virden, IL after a long battle with Dementia.

He was born on May 5, 1955 in Springfield, IL, the son of Robert D. and Helen L. (nee) Peek Banning. Both parents and all four of his siblings preceded him in death. He is survived by three sons, Ben (Lindsey), R.J., Tom (Angela) and a daughter Lacey. Eight grandchildren survive in addition to his long-time, good friend Mike Mohan.

Roger was baptized into the Catholic Faith by Reverend Robert Franzen of St. Aloysius Parish on July 24, 1955. In his later years, with Bible in hand, he enjoyed discussing theology and biblical stories, often confessing his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Roger attended St. Aloysius Grade School. He went on to St James Trade School until its closure in 1972 where he earned an Automotive Certification. He graduated from Lanphier HIgh School in 1973 where he attended Capital Area Vocational Center gaining training as a Machinist. He worked in various factories, machine shops and automotive shops in the Springfield and Decatur areas including Fiat Allis, Allis Chalmers Custom pumps, Napier Machine Shop, Joe’s Garage, Jack Mohan Electric and Furrows Building Materials.

Roger loved his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed music especially playing his harmonica, playing horseshoes at Lincoln Park, fishing, attending the Illinois State Fair, motorcycles, visits from friends, playing chess and taking showers in the rain. He was an avid Chicago Bears Fan. He loved the many animals he adopted and strays he took into his home over the years.

The family is being served by Central Cremation Services of Forsyth, IL. Private family services will be held. The family requests that in remembrance of Roger you do a kind deed for a friend or stranger without them knowing, take in a stray animal, visit a sick friend, throw in a fishing pole, play a game of horseshoes or even take a shower in the rain.

The family would like to thank Residential Hospice and Sunrise Skilled Nursing and Rehab for their excellent care of Roger.