Robert E. O'Banion

Robert E. O'Banion, 81, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2017 peacefully at home with family by his side. 

He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Sheila V.(Hendrix) O'Banion; his son Robert O'Banion and his wife June; his daughter Lori Kilburn and her companion Max Thwaits III; his son Timothy O'Banion and his wife Lisa; his granddaughter Jennifer O'Banion and her companion Bryan Popp; his granddaughter Melissa Stoddard and her husband Brian; his grandson Tyler Kilburn and  his companion Gillian Knight; his grandson Jason O'Banion and his wife Lauren; his great granddaughters Brynn(Charlie Brown) and Myla Stoddard and their grandfather John Kilburn; his brothers Floyd and Bruce O'Banion from Oklahoma; his sister in law Jane Mooney and her husband Walt; many nieces and nephews and all of his granddogs.

Bob was predeceased by his parents William P. O'Banion and Grace E. Carey; his in-laws Phyllis and Alton Hendrix; his sister Opal Groom; his sister Ida McNeal; his brother Frank O'Banion and his wife Joyce.

Bob was born in Enid, Oklahoma on November 24, 1935. He grew up in Enid with his brothers and sisters until he joined the service in 1955.  Bob was honorably discharged in October 1963 as an Airman First Class, he served as a military police canine handler and often spoke of his canine Storm. Upon his discharge he moved to Moriah NY with his loving wife Sheila where they raised their three children.  Bob was employed at International Paper and Port Henry Oil Co. 

If Bob wasn't riding around in his Rhino he could always be found at his hunting camp keeping a close eye out for any deer that were trespassing on “the hill.”  Bob had a great love for hunting, fishing and working on cars. These passions were passed on to his youngest son Tim, who he taught to hunt, fish and together built Tim’s first car. He enjoyed visiting the Ocean where he and his daughter Lori vacationed frequently and always made a special stop to visit his service buddy, Peter Caikauskas and family.  Bob loved traveling and riding in the car (Running the Roads).  He shares this love with his oldest son Bobby who would often ride along during oil deliveries when he was young.  He loved spending time with his family and was always joking around. Bob was the best grandfather a kid could ask for.  Building blanket forts in the living room, having picnics on the hill or just teaching them everything he knows. The man best known as grandpa was never too busy to stop what he was doing to enjoy life with his grandkids from the time they were young.  His great granddaughters adored him as much as he did them. Brynn could always keep him entertained and Myla would make sure his belly was full of Grandma's cookies.   There are so many special memories the family will treasure about the man they called Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Friend. He will truly be missed and forever in our hearts.  

There will be no calling hours at Bob's request. A memorial service will be held at the Moriah Methodist Church on Monday, November 27, 2017 @ 11:00am.  Burial will immediately follow at the South Moriah Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Moriah Ambulance Squad and/or High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care (Mineville NY) 

The family would like to send a special Thank You to Mary Poirier for keeping him in line and all your love and support.

To leave condolences for the family please visit www.harlandfuneralhome.com.

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