HAMPTON - John Ward Bane of Hampton, VA passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on April 26, 2017. He was 72 years old. John was preceded in death by his parents, Wista and Edna Bane, and his brother, Fred. He is survived by his wife, Ann; three children, Greg and his wife Lindsey, Will, and Amelia; and granddaughter, Lilly. John was born December 21, 1944 in Hampton, Virginia. While growing up in Phoebus, he attended Hampton High School, where he was a member of the three-time consecutive district championship baseball team. John continued his education at the College of William and Mary where he served as president of the Epsilon Charge of Theta Delta Chi, the commanding officer of the Army ROTC, and a captain of the baseball team. After graduating, John proudly served his country for two years on active duty as an officer in the United States Army and for fourteen years in the Army Reserve. John served in combat during the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including the Bronze Star, Soldier's Medal, Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. He returned to William and Mary, where he graduated from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law. John practiced law in Hampton for over forty years, and served as president of the Hampton Bar Association. John was a lifelong member of Hampton Baptist Church. Both as a Sunday school teacher and coach to several athletic teams, he was a mentor to many young men and women in the community, a role that he cherished dearly. John was a loving husband and father, and was a friend to everyone he met. He will be remembered for his generous nature, and his love of sharing stories with those around him. The family will receive visitors at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, April 29 between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. He will be interred at Parklawn Memorial Park at 1:00pm on Sunday, April 30, with a celebration a celebration of his life at 2:00 pm at Hampton Baptist Church. A reception for all friends and family will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the buildgin fund or music ministry at Hampton Baptist Church.
Published in Daily Press from April 27 to April 28, 2017
