Edward Walton "Ned" Bangs, Sr.'s Obituary
Twenty-three days shy of reaching his 100th birthday, Ned slipped peacefully from this life to join his beloved Dor for eternity. Ned was born in Evanston, IL, on May 12, 1916, to Pauline Nash Bangs and Lester Bangs. He passed away in Dallas on April 19, 2016. Ned graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1935, and attended Northwestern University. He grew up playing tennis and sailing on Lake Michigan. Ned and a friend owned their own boat: the “Redbil”—a nod to his friend’s name and to Ned’s bright red hair. Many called him “Red.” Ned began a storied 38-year career with American Hospital Supply Corp. in 1945. The company assigned him to New Orleans. In 1946, he met a charming chemist from Mississippi named Dorothea Lester (“Dor”). She was working in a lab where Ned made a sales call and, as he often said, “I liked what I saw.” She stole his heart, “hook, line and sinker.” The two married on February 8, 1947 and Ned, Jr. was born in New Orleans in December, 1948. The company moved Ned to Chicago and Ike was born there in May, 1951. Finally, they moved to Dallas in 1952 and had Tony that November–their first Texan. Nancy followed in October, 1955. Ned, with Dor at his side, was the consummate host. They held many cocktail and dinner parties in their home, entertaining and welcoming numerous colleagues over the years, plus friends, neighbors and relatives. Ned retired from the company in 1983, and he and Dor traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad. They especially enjoyed summers in Beaver Creek, CO and Stratton Mountain, VT. After Dor’s death in 2002, Ned enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren. He loved to go out to eat and share stories about his life. His grandchildren have wonderful memories of his elaborate treasure hunts. In addition to Dor, Ned is predeceased by his parents, two sisters, son Ned, Jr., and grandson Christopher. He is survived by his children: Ike Bangs (Barbara); Tony Bangs (Vera); and Nancy Minzer (Michael). His grandchildren: Trey Bangs; Ashley Bangs; Jennifer Bangs; John Bangs (Melania); David Bangs (Stephanie); Veronica Bangs; Valerie Hayes (Bryan); Ted Bangs; Paris Minzer; and Anna Minzer. His great grand-children: Kelton Boswell; Blaise Boswell; Alessio Bangs; Mark Bangs; Molly Bangs; Lauren Bangs; and many other relatives. The family will have a private burial. A memorial service and celebration of Ned’s life will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5923 Royal Lane, Dallas. Ned will celebrate his 100th birthday with Dor, and together they will live forever in Glory. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Altar Guild at St. Luke’s.
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