Frank Leslie "Les" Banta

F. Les Banta, 95, of Scottsdale, Arizona, formerly of Lexington, died Sunday, July 6, 2008, at Scottsdale Village Square Assisted Living in Scottsdale. He was born February 12, 1913, at Oakdale, Nebraska, to Louis Frank and Augusta Elizabeth (Born) Banta. Les grew up around the Oakdale area and attended high school in Norfolk. He was united in marriage to Maybelle L. Danner on May 5, 1937, at Norfolk, Nebraska. Three daughters were blessed to this marriage; Karla, Leslie and Diane. He started a 41 year career with Northwestern Bell; which took him to various areas in the state of Nebraska, including, Norfolk and Minden, eventually settling in Lexington in 1949. He retired from the phone company in 1976. Following his retirement, he spent 9 years with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Department as a Correctional Officer. He moved to Scottsdale in 1998. Les was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, the Telephone Pioneers, the Eagles Club and a 40+ year member of the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department. Les never knew a stranger, always had a twinkle in his eye and a story for all who would listen. Les was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be so very missed by all of them and his many friends. Survivors include two daughters: Karla Widra of Scottsdale, Arizona Leslie Brotherson of Scottsdale, Arizona Seven grandchildren: Terri Mann (Brad) Morrow, Heath (Maggie) Mann, Brandon (Andi) Mann, Michael (Debi) Bossung, Scott Brotherson, Eric (Patti) Widra, and Kirk Widra; and seven great-grandchildren. One sister: Bernice Salyer of Albuquerque, New Mexico Les was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jeff Banta; sister, Leora Fleischman, wife, Maybelle; and daughter, Diane Hirsch. The family has honored Les’s wishes that his body be cremated. A Memorial Graveside Service will be held Monday, July 21, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Norfolk, Nebraska with Pastor Chris Asbury officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to: Lexington Volunteer Fire Department, Box 721, Lexington, Nebraska 68850. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements: Online condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.