George Banister

George Banister was born in Juniata, NE on Aug 25, 1921 to Nancy and Joseph Banister. He had 4 sisters (Eunice, Amy, Detta May and Evanda) and 5 brothers (Phillip, Walter, Orville, Cleo and Marvin). After graduating from Juniata High School 1941, he moved to Iowa to work in a Foundry. After one year of work, he returned to Nebraska to marry Gladys Eigbrett on June 1, 1942 in Kenesaw. In November of 1942 he joined the Army and enlisted in the 486th Engineering Heavy Shop. His military specialty was a blacksmith and welder in the European Theatre of Operations. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1946 and was awarded a Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 0268 in Kenesaw, NE.

After returning from the military, he worked at a Grain Elevator. During this time, they were blessed with their first daughter, Pam, on December 23, 1946 in Kenesaw, NE. In 1948, the family moved to Denver, CO where their second daughter, Cheryl, was born (February 6th). George joined Gates Rubber Company and worked for 31yrs making rubber belts and tires. It was here that he met and became friends with many wonderful people (Gene, Darrel, Roger, etc). In 1983, he retired, and George and Gladys became "snow birds" where they purchased a trailer in Mesa, AZ, and visited friends and family during the winter months. They loved playing cards with their friends (Adams, Wheelers, Dells, Bittfields, etc.) and enjoyed biking. Every Saturday he would bike to the local coffee shop with a group of men and chat for hours. He was such a lovable guy. He could start up a conversation with anyone and make a complete stranger laugh.

During his 87 years with us, he loved fishing, boating and water skiing with his family. He enjoyed golfing with his friends, bowling with his weekly league and playing with his AM/FM Ham radio. George especially loved watching his grandchildren play soccer, basketball, softball, swimming and hockey. He was so very proud of his grandkids and loved talking about them to others.

George was happily married for 66 years and will be dearly missed by his wife Gladys Banister and their two children; Cheryl (Brian) and Pam (Steve). He had 3 grandchildren; Darren, Devin and Mackenzie (Sean). His grandchildren loved him so very much and will cherish their memories with him. George and Gladys' marriage should be an example for all of us to live by. Their love for one and another never weakened. Their devotion and trust for one and another was strong and filled with lots of love.

George devoted his life to Christ our Savior and offered prayers at his beloved Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. His devotion inspired all who knew him.

George was deeply loved by all of his family and friends, and will be eternally missed. He will be remembered in our hearts forever.


In lieu of flowers the family is asking memorial contributions to be made to Christ Our Redeemer, Evangelical Lutheran Church, 17700 E. Iliff Ave., Aurora, CO 80013-4228 OR a donation to your favorite charity.