Charles “Buddy” Haverman Banagan, 84, of Avenue, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on July 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on February 27, 1942, in Leonardtown, Maryland, to Joseph and Mary Banagan. Buddy graduated from Margaret Brent High School in 1960, and on April 20, 1963, he married Frances Virginia Morgan at Sacred Heart Church.
Buddy Banagan was a proud Seventh District boy and lifelong St. Mary’s County resident who never strayed too far from the place he called home. Known by many as being “hard as nails” he possessed a toughness that carried him through life’s challenges, but his heart was even bigger, especially when it came to his family.
Above all else, Buddy loved his wife Virgie more than anything. From the time they were just 18 years old, until his last day she was the love of his life. Together they shared 63 beautiful years of marriage and built an amazing family that Buddy cherished beyond words. Nothing compared to the pride he felt for his grandchildren, who brought him endless joy and purpose.
He had a lifelong love of the water and spent countless days crabbing and oystering. He also enjoyed the thrill of racing, whether it be cars or bathtubs. He truly believed in the magic of Christmas and found great joy in keeping those traditions alive.
Most mornings started at Abell’s Diner and the afternoons always ended with a stop at Anderson’s Bar, where he enjoyed a cold beer, plenty of laughter and catching up with the friends who were more like family.
Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the family he loved so fiercely, the friendships he treasured and the countless memories he created throughout a life well lived.
Buddy is survived by his children, Jeff Banagan (Vicki) of Clements, MD; Chris White (Jim) of Clements, MD; Sandy Guy (Randy) of Leonardtown, MD; Kevin Banagan (Sarah) of Mechanicsville, MD; and Megan Cryer (Tommy, deceased) of Leonardtown, MD. His grandchildren, Andy Banagan, Ryan White (Brittanie), Jessica Banagan, Austin Guy (Annie), Tori Furr (Marshall), Tyler Cryer, Connor Banagan, Sydney Trossbach (Travis), Camryn Banagan, and Baylee Banagan; and his great-grandchild, Archer Furr.
Buddy is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Spillman Banagan, Mary Lucille (Downs) Banagan, and brother Joseph Ronald Banagan.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. With prayers recited at 7:00 PM at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, MD with Father Timothy Baer officiating. Interment to follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Bushwood, MD. Serving as pallbearers will be Richard Mattingly, Francis Gibson, Buddy Gibson, JR Farrell, Jerome Dent, Chuck Williams and Lawrence Vallandingham.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.