Martin Wayne Banschbach

Martin (Marty) Wayne Banschbach, PhD Marty transitioned to his Lord on December 27, 2024 in Tulsa, OK at the age of 78. He was born in Glen Cove, NY on July 5, 1946 to Martin Luther and Dorothy Bach Banschbach. The family home was in Hicksville, NY. The oldest of three siblings, he spent his early years boating on the ocean, fishing, clamming and enjoying the sand dunes of Long Island. Marty is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan Virginia Banschbach, two children, Kimberly Sue Tonquest of Tulsa, Eric Brian Banschbach and wife , Shannon, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; two grandsons, Blake Edward Tonquest and Sean Wayne Gorman Tonquest; Sister Sharon Lucas of Lafayette, La; brother Dennis Banschbach and wife Karen of Aurora, Ill. ;and many nieces and nephews; a sister-in law, Christina Karl of the residence.. After high school he received his bachelor’s degree at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA. During that time, he met the love of life, Susan Karl, married and moved to Blacksburg, Va, to attend Virginis Tech. He earned a PhD in Biochemistry and Nutrition, which quickly became the focus of his career for 50 years. His education was completed with a post-doctorate fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His work journey began at Louisiana State University Medical School, Shreveport and concluded with 40 years at Oklahoma State College of Osteopathic Medicine. Teaching physicians was a passion. His often-fiery lectures earned him the nick name of ‘biochemistry evangelist’ from his students. One of his greatest pleasures involved teaching senior citizens through Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offered by Oklahoma State University. Family was always in his heart. He was very active his children’s lives, rarely missing a sporting event, band performances or any special event. He loved to take them camping, fishing, water skiing and boating. Many good nights were spent at night by a campfire at a lake. His happy place was fishing the White River with his son, Eric. This resulted in building a home on Skiatook Lake where the family lived for 17 years. Being a dog lover, he always took the dogs on his boat for swimming adventures. When not on the lake he enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables on the decks (to protect them from deer and other wild animals). The decks often resembled a rain forest of sorts. He loved watching them grow. To the family he was always “Mr. Fixit”. If someone mentioned they wanted or needed something in front of him. It would likely be delivered to them within days. When diagnosed with a rare cancer he spent hours researching and seeking a treatment. He created a social media page educating those suffering from the same disease. He was trying to “fix” that as well by sharing his knowledge. This group gave him great purpose and support over the past two years. He would want to thank Dr. Mark Olsen for allowing him to participate in formulating a plan of care that met his standards. A Celebration of Life is planned for Spring, Donations in his name may be made to the hospice, Porta Caeli House at Catholic Charities, 2440 N.Harvard, Tulsa, OK, 74115. Their loving end of life care was so important to Marty and his family.

Martin Wayne Banschbach

July 5, 1946 - December 27, 2024