Edward Sanborn Banfield was born in Chicago, IL on August 16, 1933, to Edward and Gladys Cullen Banfield. He died on January 20, 2023, in Sun City West, AZ. When Ed was in eighth grade, his family moved to East Lansing, MI, and he attended East Lansing High School until his senior year. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in Eaton Rapids, MI. In 1957, he graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in English. After graduating, he spent six months on active duty through the Army Reserves and then completed six years in the Reserves. In January 1958, Ed became an English teacher at Hastings High School in Hastings, MI. In 1960, he completed his M.A. Degree at Michigan State University with a major in Guidance and Pupil Personnel Services. On August 6, 1960, Ed married Mary Jane Becker, and they moved to Battle Creek, MI where he was a guidance counselor at Springfield High School. In July 1966, the family moved to Lansing, MI where Ed became a guidance counselor at the Okemos Middle School in Okemos, MI. In July 1967, Ed became Assistant Director of Upward Bound and Assistant Professor of Education at Central College in Pella, IA. In 1970, he became Director of TRIO Programs (Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Educational Talent Search) and Director of Testing at Central. He valued his time working at Central College and his experiences with Upward Bound students, families, and staff. Ed and his family lived in Pella, IA thirty- one years. He was a Lion in MI, and the Charter President of the Pella Lions Club twice. He was honored by receiving the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest award in Lions. On September 1, 1998, Ed and Mary Jane retired and moved to Sun City West, AZ. Ed joined the Sun City West Pioneer Lions Club and served as President in 2002-2003 and 2007-2008. Ed and Mary Jane enjoyed traveling to visit family. They also experienced many cruises and land tours while visiting other countries.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane, children, Ed (Shannon), Mary, Laura Van Gorp, and Jim (Angi), grandchildren Joseph and Jordan Banfield, Alex, Kyle and Ryan Van Gorp and Cooper Banfield, a brother, John (Geri), a sister-in-law, Anne (Vince), and three nephews and two nieces. Ed’s cremains will be at the Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church Columbarium in Sun City West for a private memorial service. Memorials may be given to the Journey Scholarship at Central College, 812 University, Pella, IA 50219.
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