Walter "Buddy" Banner

Walter Davis (Buddy) Banner, age 77, hung up his spurs to be at home with his Lord on October 28, 2012 in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Buddy was formerly of Camdenton, Missouri and had also spent time living in Florida, South Dakota, and New Mexico, as well as Colorado. He was born in Camdenton, Missouri on June 1, 1935, the son of Julian W. and Bonnie (Davis) Banner.

Buddy was baptized at an early age and remained a devoted Christian all of his life and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He graduated from Camdenton High School in 1954, attended college for a short period of time, and was a licensed farrier and auctioneer. He was united in marriage to Sharon Rivers on March 6, 1958 in Gainesville, Texas and to this union three children were born, Toots, Tammi, and Angela. They traveled and performed with Jonny Rivers Rodeo Acts and High Diving Mules.

Anyone who knew Buddy appreciated his passion for western memorabilia; collecting, trading, and working in silversmith of bits and spurs. He loved going to auctions and spent many years and miles traveling to find items to buy, sell, and trade. Sometimes we wondered about some of the items he would buy, but he seemed to turn trash into a treasure, "but not always".

As a professional horse trainer and showman he was featured in Western Horseman magazines. In the later 60's he rode and showed Paints in California and was quite successful as a horse trainer for many years. In 1980, he moved to Beggs, Oklahoma and was the manager/breeder/trainer of the Burst Ranch which was founded to preserve and promote the Spanish Barb horse breed. In later years, he enjoyed his silversmith works and extensive trading and continued until his health began to deteriorate.

Buddy is survived by his children, Toots and wife Ronda Banner and grandchildren Tiffany, Victoria, and Savannah of Micanopy FL, Tammi Martin and husband Steve Osborn of Roach, MO and grandchildren, Tawni and husband Jason Konwinski and great-granddaughter Jayda of Camdenton, MO, Echo Blades and great-grandchildren Cameron, Korrrine, and Chloe of Macks Creek, MO, and Cassidy Martin and great-grandson Levi of Roach, MO and Angela and husband Kenneth Webster of Richland, MO and grandchildren Kendra and husband Mike Rasmussen and great-grandson Gunner of Springfield, MO, Jacob of Columbia, MO, and Kasie of Camdenton, MO. He also leaves behind many dear friends he met all across the country.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Nadine Alvis.

Funeral services provided by Goes Funeral Care of Ft. Collins, CO. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to take Buddy to his final resting place in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico to be with his parents and sister. Condolences and/or donations may be made through Goes Funeral Care, 3665 Canal Dr., Suite E, Fort Collins, CO 80524 or their website www.goesfuneralcare.com .

Memorial services will be held on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 7:00 pm at Myetta Baptist Church in Camdenton, Missouri with Pastor Dennis North officiating. Condolences and/or donations may be sent c/o Banner Family, 341 WS Osborn Pass, Roach, MO 65787.

A memorial service will also be held on November 17, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Everyday Joe's Coffee House, in Fort Collins, Colorado officiated by Pastor Darren Fred.

Thank you and God Bless. "Happy Trails"