Posted by Terry Powers on December 18, 2022:

Arthur Williams BANISTER 1928 - 2014 January 7, 1928 - June 14, 2014 The highest-ranking member of his senior class, Art graduated from Milburn, New Jersey high school and then became a member of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1949. As a cadet, he played trombone in the dance band, was an editor on The Pointer, and was an enthusiastic bridge and chess player. Following graduation with honors from the USMA he began service in the Air Force. He finished flight training at Connally AFB, Texas and Nellis AFB, NV as an F-84 pilot; was stationed at Bergstrom AFB, Austin, Texas; and flew 75 combat missions in Korea before transferring to Nagoya, Japan. In 1956 Art earned a Masters in Nuclear Engineering at North Carolina State College and then joined the faculty in the math department at the newly formed U.S. Air Force Academy, CO. In the next years his career presented many assignments, including commanding missile launching at Cape Canaveral and duty at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He was awarded several commendations for outstanding service during his military career. After retiring from the military, Art began a career with Lockheed Corporation in California, from which he gained a second retirement and moved to Florida. In Cocoa Beach he enjoyed many personal and professional endeavors, including the Toastmasters' Club, the Philatelic Society and the Association of West Point Graduates. He was an avid golfer and followed solar eclipses around the world. Art is survived by his wife, Barbara Elkins Banister, of Cocoa Beach, Florida and his brother, James Banister and wife, Lee (Walnut Creek, CA). Also left to mourn Art's death are his first wife, Nancy Sackrey Banister (Cedar Park, TX), and their three daughters, Nancy Clements Gates (Cedar Park, TX); Eva Banister (Santa Rosa, CA); and Amy Banister Hanrahan and husband, Daniel, (Austin, TX). Also mourning his death are his three grandchildren, Zachary Arthur Clements, Jackson Reed Miller, and Molly Anece Miller, and five nephews, sons of his brother, James. Although Art's academic and career accomplishments were varied and laudable, it was as a father that his family holds dearest in its treasured memories. Art spent his entire life as a father showing his devotion to his daughters and grandchildren and they thoroughly returned that bountiful love to him. His passing leaves an enormous sorrow and void that will be forever in their hearts. Here's to a life well lived to Art, Dad and Granddad! A memorial service with military honors was held on June 24, 2014 in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Published in Legacy from Jul. 27 to Jul. 28, 2014.

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