Banton, George W., 88, March 28, 2009. Interment to be held, at a later date, in the Island Falls Cemetery.
ISLAND FALLS and Zephyrhills, FL – Dr. George W. Banton, DMD, 88, passed away March 28, 2009, at Hernando Pasco Hospice in Dade City, Fl. He was born in Bangor, on March 22, 1921, to Dr. Leon and Mrs. Lyda Banton, and moved to Island Falls that same year.
George received his early education at Island Falls High School {1939}, and Hebron Academy {1940}. He then went on to the University of Maine at Orono, before attending Tufts Dental School, graduating in 1945. He married his wife, Marie E. Martin that same year. Dr. Banton served in the U.S. Navy as a dentist and was honorably discharged at the end of World War II. Following the completion of his time in the Navy, he opened his dental practice in Island Falls and Patten, in 1946 where he practiced for 37 years. He retired in 1983, and spent his winters in Zephyrhills, Fl. George greatly enjoyed his time outdoors. He spent many hours on the golf course and especially enjoyed time spent at his hunting camp surrounded by friends and family.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marie Banton of Zephyrhills, Fl.; a sister, Gail Banton Sleeper of Lincoln and Zephyrhills; three children: son, Craig (Vicki) of Cumberland, Me., daughter, Martha Murray of Lebanon, TN and daughter, Suzanne (Glenn) Cates of Zephyrhills; two grand-daughters, Kelly Banton (Eric) Cyr of Gorham, Me. and Kimberly Howley (Edward) Lowe of Lebanon, TN; three great-grandchildren, Patrick & Jack Cyr of Gorham, Me. and Addison Lowe of Lebanon, TN;
as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; a son-in-law, Joseph Murray; and brother-in-law, Dr. Joseph Sleeper.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s memory to the Amandalee Weiss Sarcoma Fund, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive (UTC-FOUND), Tampa, FL 33612 or to Hernando Pasco Hospice, 37439 Clinton Ave., Dade City, FL 33525. A graveside memorial service at the Island Falls Cemetery will occur at a later date.
