James Bradley “Brad” Banaka, 52, of Topeka, KS, formerly of Netawaka, KS, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020 at his home with family by his side from complications from heart disease. He was born July 3, 1967 in Topeka, KS, the son of James “Jim” and Janet Kay (Sharp) Banaka.

Brad graduated from Jackson Heights High School in 1987. He lived in Topeka since 2015 and most of his life in Netawaka, Whiting and Holton.

He worked for 10 years at Goodyear Tire Company, worked on the Keystone Pipeline in Nebraska and had been a chef at Highland Community College. Brad had been disabled since 2010 due to heart disease.

He married Jennifer Dawn Rehl on June 2, 2012 in Circleville, KS. They celebrated over 7 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife, Jennifer D. Banaka of the home; his father, Jim Banaka of Netawaka, KS; 2 sons, Jeremy L. Banaka of St. Joseph, MO and Timothy J. Banaka of Grandview, MO; step-son, Christopher Henningsen of Arlington, TX; 2 step-daughters, Elizabeth Henningsen of Ft. Worth, TX and Emily Henningsen (Bradley) of Topeka, KS; 3 sisters, Janelle Bell (Brad) of Trenton, TX, Jerri L. Denton of Wardville, MO and Julie A. Shook (Zane) of Carbondale, KS and a granddaughter, Luna Nicole Dixie Banaka.          

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet Kay Banaka and 2 nephews, Wyatt Shook and Logan Denton.

Graveside Service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at Netawaka Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Mercer Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. Due to the critical situation our country is in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website. Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.