Herbert Banfield

After a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family, our beloved Father, Herbert Banfield, age 86, passed peacefully away from this life on September 13, 2009. Herbert was born May 8, 1923 in St. Clairsville, Ohio to Joseph P. and Anna Belle Banfield. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Anna Marie Wood, and , his wife ,Rosemary. Herbert served in the U.S. Army from March 1943 to November 1945 receiving a battlefield commission to Staff Sargent in the European Theater. He served in General Patton's Third Army in the 79th Division, 313 Regiment, Company A. For his acts of bravery, Herb was awarded 4 bronze stars, a good conduct medal and The Purple Heart for wounds received while crossing the Rhine River in Germany . He married Mary Lou and they shared their lives with two children, Patricia Ann and Robert William. Herb made friends easily. His motto was to make at least one person smile every day. As a mail carrier, bus driver & motel manager, he easily achieved his goal. He lived in Scottsdale, Az. 1963-1977 and moved back to Massillon where he married Rosemary, love of his life. They managed motels in Texas for many years. His days were filled with love of family and friends, coin collecting, puzzles and activities at his apartments. A favorite memory was a 2008 trip to Austin, Texas Thanksgiving celebration with 4 generations of Banfield men including his great grandson, Mason, AKA Mr. Wonderful. . Herbert is survived by his daughter, Patricia Swanson ( Ken ) of Phoenix, Az. son, Robert Banfield ( Tracy ) of Flagstaff, Az. stepson Michael Bretz & stepdaughter, Michelle Hysong ( Don ) both of Massillon, and , many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation will be held Saturday September 19, 2009 from 10 to 11:30 A.M. followed by funeral services at 11:30 A.M. at Paquelet Funeral Home 1100 Wales Rd. NE. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Donations in Herb's memory may be made to The American Cancer Society. Messages of comfort and support may be sent to www.paquelet.com.