O'Bannon, Oscar R.

Oscar R. O'Bannon, 52, of Cedar Rapids, played his last inning Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer at Hospice House of Mercy, surrounded by a loving, caring staff, family and friends, and Sandra, a special friend who helped his family care for him from the hospital, home and then hospice. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Gospel Tabernacle Church, 2531 42nd St. NE, with Pastor Rodrick Dooley of Oakhill-Jackson Community Church presiding. Family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cedar Memorial. Interment will be at Cedar Memorial's Garden of Serenity following services on Saturday.

Oscar was born in Cedar Rapids to Alphonce Sr. and Lula M O'Bannon. After his mother's death, his father married Aretha O'Bannon who raised and cared for him. He graduated in 1979 from Thomas Jefferson High School, the enlisted in the United States Marines. After completion of service, Oscar returned to Cedar Rapids and worked for Rausch/Pillsbury and in 1999 went to Ralston Foods, until his final inning. Oscar also was a union steward. Oscar coached many AAU 12 and under girls softball. His greatest love besides family his family his current team, “The Blue Devils” once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil. The team went to a national tournament in Eden Prairie, Minn., and he helped coach them by texting. Oscar loved playing softball for various local teams and he coached with a true passion for the game.

Oscar is survived by his son, Keith Couser; daughters, Shayla and Failyn O'Bannon; his beloved granddaughter, K'Mora; brothers, Rick Williams, Larry (Patti) Williams, Marck (Jenny) Lee and baby brother, Alphonce Jr. (Kelly) O'Bannon, all of Cedar Rapids; sisters, Brenda (George) Bounds, Patrisha (Kent) Sesker and Toni Lee, all of Cedar Rapids; a special aunt, Gertie Barner of Cedar Rapids; aunts, Alma Barner of Wichita, Kan. and Mary Barner of Holy Grove, Ark.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a special friend, Sandra.

Oscar was preceded in death by his father, Alphonce; his mothers, Lula and Aretha; sisters, Gloria, Helen Jean and Mona Lisa; and brother, Roger.

Oscar was a longtime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Redskins. He would watch the Cubs because of his favorite players. Oscar was a strong caring brother, father, uncle, grandfather, friend and coach. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His favorite sayings will forever with us “It is what it is.”

Online condolences may be sent to .

Published in The Gazette Aug. 6, 2013.