Christopher B. Banninger

Christopher Bruce Banninger was born on December 26, 1955, to Yvonne (Gooden) Banninger and Bruce Banninger in Kalkaska, Michigan. His elementary years were spent on a small farm in Kewadin, Michigan. In 1965 the family moved to Flint, Mi., and later in 1968 to Fort Worth, Texas achieving better work for his parents, and educational opportunities (he had a childhood dream of becoming a physician) for him and his older sister.

In 1974 Christopher graduated from Chisholm Trail Academy in Keene, Texas and started attending Southwestern Adventist University. Because of his talent as an accomplished musician on piano, guitar, and vocals he was given the opportunity to travel with the Heritage Singers, a gospel international touring group. At the end of the tour, the group went to Gaither Studios in Alexandria, IN., to record an album. The Studio quickly became aware of Christopher’s ability as a sound engineer. Although he wasn’t sure he wanted to make a career as a sound technician, he remembered something his dad had told him, “Whatever you do, even temporarily, do it better than anybody else”. Christopher is quoted as saying, “And that’s what I did. I worked at it until I knew more and was the best sound guy in the studio.” Christopher stayed with Gaither’s for three and a half years when he moved to California still working in the recording business. He eventually found his way to television production, becoming an Emmy award winning sound engineer working on shows such as Who’s the Boss, Almost Perfect, The Academy Awards, The Rose Parade, Up Close and Personal, and many other projects. At the time of his death, October 31, 2019, he was working for ABC in the capacity of sound production for the day-time Emmy winning General Hospital and preparing to open his own recording studio back in Texas. As a young man living in Texas, Christopher had earned his pilot’s license. Several years later he bought two twin-engine planes starting a charter company, which transported a chemical cancer treatment. He said, “The first time I flew and delivered that life-saving chemical was an incredible, rewarding experience for me. It was that feeling I always imagined I would have if I had become a doctor.” Christopher lived life large, using his many talents, endless energy, and amazing opportunities, to touch and serve others.

He is survived by one daughter, Emelia Banninger, his parents, Bruce and Yvonne Banninger, sister Terri (Ben Colon), Nephew Rob Clement (Stephanie and their children Kiya and Keenan), Niece Jennie Dalgas (Geoffrey and their children Caleb and Jeliya), aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grand-parents, and an uncle.

A memorial service will be held June 9, 2024, at the Traverse City Seventh-Day Adventist Church. 2055 N. Four Mile Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686. Visitation: 10:00 AM. Service: 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions can be made to: https://883thejourney.org/christopher-banninger-memorial-donation-form/

The family is being cared for by Life Story Funeral Home of Traverse City, MI.