Donald L. Bannister

Donald Lee Bannister, 74 of Grand Island, NE died Saturday, June 23, 2012 at his home with his family by his side. Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island, NE. The Reverend Glen Keylon will be officiating. A Private Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Tuesday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island, NE. Donald was born on January 3, 1938 at home to Gill and Artie (Huffman) Bannister in Monroe County, Missouri. He grew up in the Mexico, Missouri area where he received his education, graduating in 1955. He was enlisted in the National Guard for 4 years. Donald was united in marriage to Trina Garrett on September 21, 1968 in Mexico, Missouri. The couple moved to Grand Island, Nebraska in 1970 where they raised their family including 2 children, Karen and Michael. Donald worked for the City of Grand Island and retired after 31 years of employment. He enjoyed farming, tractors and stock car racing. Survivors include his wife, Trina Bannister of Grand Island, NE; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Pat Gray of Lincoln, NE; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Staci Bannister of Lincoln NE; grandchildren, Kaylee and Tyler Gray of Lincoln, NE and Connor Bannister of Lincoln, NE; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Newbrough of Mexico, MO, Mila Haney of Lakeside, CA, Marilyn and James Fishburn of Auxvasse, MO, Marjorie Peak of Mexico, MO, brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Susie Bannister of Mexico, MO, Martha and Jerry Kobush of Laddonia, MO, and Bill and Cathy Garrett of Cairo, NE, aunts and uncles and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.