La Feria News

Billy Myron Banister

July 31, 1922 – September 1, 2013

Billy_Banister2Billy Myron Banister, 91, of La Feria, Texas died on September 1, 2013 at Solara Hospital in Harlingen, Texas
Billy was born on July 31, 1922 in Kennett, Missouri to Fred and Carmen Banister. He graduated from high school in Osceola, Arkansas where he enjoyed playing football and basketball. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Europe during WWII, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Upon returning he met and married Evelyn Merle Ashley in Blytheville, Arkansas on March 22, 1947. They shared 66 loving years together. He spent much of his career as an owner/operator of two Texaco Service Stations in Harlingen, Texas; but also worked in the real estate, banking, cattle and grocery industries.

Billy and Evelyn enjoyed summers in South Fork, Colorado and winters in La Feria until ill health ended their trip to the mountains.

Billy was a 32 Degree Mason and a deacon of the First Baptist Church in La Feria.

Billy is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn; son, Stephen (Debbie) Banister of Bryan, Texas; daughter, Cindy Banister of Austin, Texas; former daughter-in-law, Sharon Banister of Bryan, Texas; adopted daughter, Nancy Weiss of Austin, Texas; grandsons, Ryan Banister of Dallas, Texas, Philip Doriocourt of Waco, Texas, Chad Doriocourt of Austin, Texas; granddaughter, Holly (Will) Duffy of Austin, Texas; great grandsons, Logan Banister of Lawrence, Kansas and Austin Banister of Dallas, Texas; sister, Carolyn (Charles) Wilks of Osceola, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Mary Banister of Osceola, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in La Feria, Texas, at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2013. Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Music Fund of the First Baptist Church of La Feria, P.O. Box 27, La Feria, TX 78559.

The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Todd Shenkenberg, the Staff at Solara Hospital and Harlingen Medical Center for their loving care.

You are invited to sign the guestbook or leave a memory at www.buckashcraft.com.

Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.

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