Bobbie J Bankston

Bobbie Jo Spider Bankston, age 78, of Marion, died at his daughters residence on Monday, August 13th, 2001, at 7:45 P.M. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. His family very much appreciates Hospice of Southern Illinois for their help. Visitation for Mr. Bankston will be from 5:00-9:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 15th at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. The funeral service will be at Mitchell-Hughes at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 16th with Rev. David Anderson officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Marion. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Mr. Bankston was born June 22, 1923, in Williamson County to Earl Carl & Myrtle (Green) Bankston. They both preceded him in death. He married Josephine Ward on February 16, 1948, in Oceola, Arkansas. She died August 18, 1979. Mr. Bankston retired in 1984 after working 32 years at CIPS where he worked as Groundman and Truck Driver. He was of the Christian faith. He was a World War II Army Veteran, serving from 1943-1945. He was in the Sixth Wave of the D-Day Invasion at Omaha Beach. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, Sharpshooter Rifle Bar, Purple Heart Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and a European-African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with four bronze battle stars. Mr. Bankston was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #1301 and the IBEW Local #702. He enjoyed his family and friends at McDonalds. Survivors include two daughters and one son-in-law, Lavonia & Tom Hale and Marietta Hale, all of Marion; three grandchildren, Jerlynn Morse and her husband, Scott, and Jeffrey Hale, all of Marion, and Josie Ford of New Burnside; three great-grandchildren, Brittany Earl and twins Dakota & Austin Ford, all of New Burnside. He is also survived by two brothers and one sister-in-law, George & Vinnie Bankston and Bill Bankston, all of Marion, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.