Col. Gary Lee Bannister, MD Obituary (1934

Retired Colonel Gary Bannister, MD; 81, a long time active resident of Boerne, TX passed away Saturday March 5, 2016 peacefully in his sleep, in his home after a valiant fight with cancer. He is predeceased by his father Bill, his mother Helen and his brother Bob. Gary is lovingly remembered by his four children; Linda Bannister and spouse Kevin Hornung, Laura Bannister and her children; Gehrig and wife Ashley Grosso as well as her son Reese Grosso. He is also survived by his son Gary Bannister Jr. and daughter Lucy Bannister - fiance Ken Maldonado. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Aiden and Melonie; children of Gehrig and Ashley Grosso and his grandson Branson Bannister son of Gary Bannister Jr. Born in Aurora, Nebraska; Gary was an avid Nebraska Cornhuskers fan after graduating Aurora High school 1952 as Class Valedictorian and Nebraska Regent's Scholarship winner, he went to the University of NE, Lincoln from 1952-1955. He continued his education at the college of Medicine Omaha, NE from 1955-1959, graduating with Honors BS Sumo Cum Laude, he was selected to be a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. Gary joined the Army and interned at Womack Army Hospital, FT. Bragg, NC 1959-1960 and then served his first assignment as Brigade Surgeon 23rd Infantry from 1960-1962 at FT. Richardson, Alaska where he married and began his family with the birth of the first of his four children, Linda. He went on to Walson Army Hospital FT. Dix, NJ for a Pre-Surgical Specialty in OB/GYN, 1962-1963 then an OB/GYN Residency 1963-1966 at Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI and the birth of his second child, Laura. Gary was then stationed at Irwin Army Hospital, FT. Riley, KS, Assistant Chief OB/GYN 1966-1968, where the entire OB/GYN staff of 30 people witnessed the birth of his son, Gary Jr. For a year beginning 1968 to 1969; Gary served a tour in Vietnam as the 199th Light Infantry Brigade Surgeon in Long Bihn. Returning state side he reunited with his family in California and continued his career as Chief OB/GYN, Darnell Army Hospital, Ft. Hood, TX from 1969-1972 where he personally delivered his fourth child, Lucy. Stationed overseas again; Gary was promoted to Colonel at the age of 36. His new assignment was Chief OB/GYN 130th Station Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany from 1972-1975. Returning to TX; he was reassigned to FT. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX where he obtained his Master's Degree in Health Care Administration, Baylor University, 1975-1978. Assigned to Darnell Army Hospital, FT. Hood, TX once again, this time as Chief of Surgical Department and Chief OB/GYN 1978-1979 where he retired from his Army career with 24 years and four months service to the United States Army. After taking time off after retiring from the Army; Gary continued his passion for medicine as Medical Examiner for Military Entrance Processing Station as well as OB/GYN at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, TX. He started his second career with the State of TX as Chief Support Services at the San Antonio State Hospital, finally retiring in 1998. His career in the military took him to three countries and nine states. Once retired, he focused more of his attention to playing the baritone horn with the Boerne Village Band which took him to Europe and Mexico as well as all over TX. He also took on the responsibility as marketing director for the band. He also played the baritone horn with the Boerne Concert Band. Gary was an avid hunter, history buff and a lifelong musical enthusiast. He loved to laugh and tell jokes. He would spend time visiting and learning about people and was always quick to extend a helping hand. Visitation will be held on Friday March 11, 2016 from 6pm to 9pm at Vaughan's Funeral Home 319 E. San Antonio St., Boerne, TX 78006. The Funeral Service is scheduled for Saturday March 12th, 2016 from 1pm to 2pm at Vaughan's Funeral Home, 319 E. San Antonio St., Boerne, TX 78006 with Dr. Lynnell Lowry officiating. A wake will follow after the service at Vaughan's Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in Col. Gary Lee Bannister MD., name. www.cancer.org 1(800) 227-2345 Option 2.