Abner A. O'Banion

Long time Globe resident Abner Andrew “Pete” O’Banion passed away peacefully October 19, 2015 in Globe surrounded by his loving family. Pete was born on April 7, 1922 to Jack and Dora O’Banion in Kingsland, Arkansas. He spent his childhood years farming in Arkansas and moved to Arizona to work in the mining industry. He was drafted into the Army in 1943 from the Borianna Mine in Mohace County, Arizona and was trained at Camp Clairborne, Louisiana where his occupational specialty was truck driving and his military qualification was Combat Infantry. He married Selma Moehring in 1944 and was sent to fight in WWII shortly thereafter. In 1944 Pete was sent to the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater. He served in Company D, 335th Battalion 84th Infantry Division where he fought along the Siegfried Line and the Elbe River. His battles included the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Because of his stature, he was chosen to drive Generals in the Battle of the Bulge and the Red Ball Express in France. His contribution earned him many military decorations including 2 Purple Hearts, EAME Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars and two Overseas Bars, the American Theater Ribbon, WWII Victory Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal. On April 27, 1945 he was wounded in action in Germany and returned to the United States on November 25, 1945. He was honorably discharged and returned to Kingsland, Arkansas to be with his wife and family on December 1, 1945. They were blessed wit three daughters: Dora, Brenda and Mary. He worked in Arkansas until relocation again to Arizona in 1949. During his career he worked for Gila Cab Company, Harry J. Hagen Construction, Johnny Mercer Construction and he owned and operated O’Banion Mobile Home Park in Six Shooter Canyon until his passing. Pete’s hobbies included automotive and diesel repair and maintenance, hunting and spending time with his family and friends. Pete is survived by his sisters Lola Waters and Gladys Hensley, his daughters, Dora Buckley (Richard), Brenda Moore (James) and grandchildren Jimmy C Sanchez, Monica Magoon, Jeffrey Sanchez, Karen Sanchez, David Moore, Patrick Moore, Dennis Moore, John McBride, Carrie Goshorn and Scott McBride, 25 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Selma and his daughter Mary White. His generosity and infectious smile and stories will be greatly missed. No services are planned per his request.