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John W. 'Pops' Banister

John Weirs "Pops" Banister, 78, of rural LaFontaine, IN, and having family in Andrews, IN, died Monday, June 18, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at his home.

Mr. Banister was a graduate of Chippewa High School and attended Manchester College two years. He was a United States Army veteran, serving in Vietnam. He worked at Thompson Consumer Electronics in Marion, retiring after 30 years.

He was born Aug. 14, 1939, in Wabash to Walter and Adeline Weirs Banister. He married Kassandra Kay Frantz; she preceded him in death on June 22, 2016.

He is survived by thee sons, Chris (Dawn) Banister, of Andrews; Raymond (Debbie) Banister, of Conyers, GA; and Rick Banister, of Gas City; a daughter, Sylvia Banister, of Wabash; three stepchildren, Beth (Randell) Wilcox, of Wabash, and Chris Gates and Todd (Vicky) Gates, both of LaFontaine; a brother, Bryan Banister, of Wabash; a sister, Anita Vrem, of Wabash; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Laura Elizabeth Gates, and a granddaughter, Allisandra Gates.

A funeral service was held Thursday, June 21, 2018, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash, with Rev. John Cook officiating. Burial was in Center Grove Cemetery, Lincolnville.

Memorials are to the family of John Banister for expenses.

The memorial guest book may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.