Paul Eugene Banning, age 79, of Effingham, Illinois passed away at 9:21 a.m. Monday, November 9, 2020 at Evergreen Nursing Home in Effingham, Illinois.

Celebration of life will be at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2020 at the DAV Club in Effingham, Illinois. Memorials may go to Hope 4 Horses at 8050 E. Twin Oaks Dr. Effingham, Illinois 62401.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Evergreen Nursing Home and all their staff for their great care.

Paul was born on May 19, 1941 in LaClede, Illinois, the son of Namon and Pauline (Mahaffey) Banning. He married Deborah Darling on May 19, 2016 at the Full Gospel Church in Edgewood, Illinois. Paul worked as a heavy equipment operator out of Union#841 in Terre Haute and known as one hell of a hand on heavy equipment. Paul enjoyed a great horse and spending times with his children teaching them everything he knew.

He is survived by his amazing wife, Debbie Banning of Effingham, Illinois; his most supportive cousin, Larry Darling; sons, Rick "Rooster" Banning (wife Dawn) of Edgewood, Illinois and Russell Banning (wife Candace) of St. Elmo, Illinois; daughter, Reba Trier (husband Jeff) of St. Elmo, Illinois; sister, Glenda Liggett (husband Curtis);10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Namon and Pauline Banning; son, Rex Allen Banning; sister, Beverly Morgan, and his most precious mother-in-law, Mary Lou Darling.

Fly high Pops and ride those horses in all your glory!