Dennis E. O≠Banion Dennis E. O≠Banion, 80, died September 15, 2006. He lived his life to the fullest and his memory will be honored and his laughter sorely missed. Dennis was born to Walter and Hattie Pearl O≠Banion in Slagle, Louisiana, April 30, 1926. He grew up in Shreveport and later moved to Alexandria where he graduated from Bolton High School. He served in the USAF during W W II, and was a graduate of the University of Houston in Business Administration. Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 39 years, Betty June Wallace O≠Banion. His career as a small business entrepreneur brought him to Ruston, Louisiana in 1954. There, he and Betty built their lives together and raised their four children. The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer was their church home. Dennis had the privilege of serving numerous vestry terms, held the appointed office of church treasurer and Senior Warden. Papa Dennis was the loving father of four children, fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Paw Paw, known by his buddies, was able to speak to anyone anytime about anything. He especially loved fishing, hunting, and bird watching; his appreciation of natural habitats spilled over to his children and grandchildren at Lake D≠Arbonne and Cameron Parish. Dennis was especially proud of his backyard garden which he delighted in comparing and sharing the ¨fruits of his labor with his family and friends. He loved reading —his all time favorites were western adventures which were at his bedside table providing the introduction of a welcomed afternoon nap. Dennis had a gift for making people feel welcomed and happy. There was a distinctive sparkle in his eye, dimple in his cheek, and a wide grin anytime a friend dropped by for coffee. The room was full of laughter whenever he was present. Dennis enjoyed a good card game with close friends and was quite selective among his bridge partners. He and Betty loved dancing and often demonstrated their perfect style of the jitterbug whenever couples gathered at their home. Dennis≠ fishing expeditions took him to the coastal regions of South Louisiana and throughout the wet areas of North Louisiana and Southern Arkansas. He was passionate about baseball and shared his passion with his sons, sons-in-law, and grandsons. Dennis is survived by his children Dr. Dennis D. O≠Banion and wife, Malise of Texarkana; Kayla Sue Hoffman and husband, Leonard of Dallas; Nelwyn Ann Birch and husband, Hoyt of Monticello, Arkansas; and Joe Dan O≠Banion and wife, Jana of Baton Rouge; fourteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Dennis≠ memory will be honored and his laughter sorely missed. He lived his life to the fullest and that is certainly a blessing in itself. Visitation will be Sunday, September 17, 2006, 5:00 7:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, Louisiana. Funeral services will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Ruston, Monday, September 18 at 10: 00 A.M; burial will be held at 4:00 PM at the Crow Cemetery in Henderson, Texas under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston, Louisiana. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations made to The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Memorial Fund, 504 Tech Drive, Ruston, LA 71270.