Hanover
Loving husband and father, Jack Ed Banister, 86, of Hanover, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2016. He was born December 21, 1929, in Indianapolis, the son of O.C. and Edna Pearl (Ammerman) Banister.
He retired to Hanover where he has been a resident for 25 years.
Jack graduated from Columbus High School in 1948 and attended the University of Louisville. He was formerly employed by RCA in Camden, New Jersey, and retired in 1989 from GE where he was division vice president of the Government Communication Systems Division.
Jack had many memberships and honors which include Eagle Scout, Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, Spring Hill Kansas Masonic Lodge No. 56, South Bend Scottish Rite, Murat Shriners of Indianapolis, Distinguished Hoosier, Aircraft Pilot Owners Association, M.E.N.S.A., Christian Ardinger Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution and the Society of Indiana Pioneers. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1949 to 1954.
Jack was an instrument rated pilot for 60 years and flew missions for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He had a wide range of interests, including sailing, amateur radio and teaching boating safety and celestial navigation. He was awarded the title of Kentucky Colonel in recognition of his accomplishments and outstanding service to the nation.
He married Frances Mae Harnett in Oakland, California, on October 13, 1950, and she survives. Other survivors include his daughters, Frances Ann Ebert of Auburn, Maine, Beryl (Kevin) Kelley of Berlin, New Jersey, and Leslie Banister of Chesilhurst, New Jersey, his sons; Paul (Debbie) Banister of Hagerstown, Maryland, Dr. Mark (Suzanne) Banister of Plymouth, New Hampshire, and John (Suzanne) Banister of Rancocas, New Jersey; his sister; Linda Jo; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marian Lee Banister, a brother, G. David Banister; and grandson, Karsten Banister Ebert.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, October 17, at Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport with the Rev. Steve Pumphrey officiating, Burial with military graveside rites will follow at Bear Creek Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to Bear Creek Cemetery.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.bassgasper.com.
