John William O'Banion

June 7, 1931 - December 25, 2021

John William O'Banion, 90, went to be with his heavenly Father on December 25, 2021. John W. O'Banion was born on June 7, 1931 in Del Rio, TX, to Elmer O'Banion and Annie Pearl O'Banion. John was a long time Huntsville resident and graduated from Huntsville High School in 1948. He went on to earn a Bachelors and Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sam Houston State University. John and his wife Kay O'Banion were married for 46 years. Their blended family included his son Brad O'Banion, his daughter Susan Hall, Kay's children, Terry Durrett, Kathy Harrington, and DeeAnn Powell. They resided many years in Pasadena, Texas where he worked at NASA through Clear Lake General Contractors, later at Boggs and Tatum Construction and then realized his dream of opening his own business, J&K Builders. While in Pasadena they were long-time members of First Baptist Church where you would find John in the choir each Sunday. John was best known as a master craftsman. John was always willing to build or help where needed. After retirement John and Kay took their camper and volunteered with Campers on Mission. They would help churches or church camps all around Texas. This was a true ministry for them, and they made many lifelong friends. John would also spend his time at his church, Northside Baptist, making repairs or helping where needed. His biggest joy was building rocking chairs for his kids and grandkids to cherish. John is survived by his beloved wife Kay O'Banion, his sister Kathryn Vanadore and his brother Turner (Linda) O'Banion. He is also survived by his children, Susan (Jason) Hall, Rosie O'Banion, Terry (Renea) Durrett, Kathy (BJ) Harrington and DeeAnn (Lance) Powell. Grandchildren Erin (Colin) DuCharme, Lauren Hall, Kelly O'Banion, Heather (Rick) Scammon, Matthew Durrett, Sara (Michael) OBeirne, Mandi (Ash) Anderson, Clay Harrington, Andrew (Mary) Woitena, Mason Powell, Dawson Powell, and Caitlyn Woitena. Nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Numerous nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Annie Pearl O'Banion, and his son Brad O'Banion. The service for will be held on Sunday, January 2nd, at 2:00 PM at Northside Baptist Church, 1207 FM 980, Huntsville, TX 77320. Burial will be at Clines Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, January 2nd, at 1:00 PM at Northside Baptist Church. Memorial donations can be made in John's name to Northside Baptist Church, 1207 FM 980, Huntsville, TX 77320. Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www.shmfh.com.