Jack Edwin Banister

Edwin Banister, November 7, 1935 – July 1, 2015 Jack was born in Terrell, TX and spent most of his life in Forney. He graduated from Forney High School in 1954. He went to Rice College for a short time. Jack served in the Army National Guard in 1961 and 1962 as a Sergeant E6 3rd armed rifle battalion 144th infantry and Army Reserve from November 15, 1968 to March 3, 1976. As a young man, Jack drove heavy machinery, worked several years in the ice cream factory then on July 1, 1963 went to work for Coca Cola and retired in 1998 after 35 years. Jack’s passion was fishing and lived on Lake Fork for about 10 years. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Willie& Jackson Banister and sister Billie Marie Johnson. e is survived by his wife Reta Banister, son Bryan Banister and wife Delissa, on Eddie Banister, daughter Tonjah Stewart and husband B.W. Stewart. 6grandchildren Nicole Banister, Bradley Jones, Stephanie Beaty, Tylor Banister, Kaylea Banister and step grandson Phillip Whitlock. 2 great grandchildren, Wyatt eaty and Sophia Jones, step great granddaughter, Lulu Jones and numerous brother-in-laws and wives,sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews. Services were held on July 2nd for visitation andJuly 3rd for funeral service at New Hope Funeral Home. Interment was at Hillcrest Cemetery in Forney. Jack will be truly missed by all his family and friends. He will forever be in our hearts. We love you! ••• Eulogy Presented by John Dill Jack Banister exemplified the life of what historians might call a “True Cowboy”. He was always tenacious in his work ethic and showed the grit of an old west wrangler. At first glance, one might think this guy had weathered many storms working out on the prairie. He possessed a tough and rugged exterior, yet all the while, he exhibited a wonderfully tender heart to friends and family. A general tendency of many these days is to be “Politically Correct”. Jack was straight laced and spoke his mind on most topics of the day. He did not mince words. He utilized his right of Free Speech to expose what he deemed tyranny within the establishment. He was all about the blue collar male. While not embellishing all new directions from management, he complied with company policy, but viewed the results from a practical standpoint. My take on Jack was he believed the adage “If it ain’t  broke ... Don’t fix it”. Jack held true to his common sense nature. As a dedicated “COKE MAN”, Jack was steadfast  in character. He offered friendship to people he met on first occasion. He was an excellent salesman, not only of his product, but also  of himself and his outlookon life. Undoubtedly, his association with Coca-Cola gave him an opportunity  to expand his horizons in his early career. As many know, during those initial years, one could embody the spirit of pioneers out on  dusty trails in this big state of Texas. Jack garnered the love of his friends and family and enjoyed the respect of his customers and competitors. He took  pride in his accomplishments both on and off the job. This man’s veins were obviously filled with Coca- Cola inspired ... red blood. Jack was the epitome of TEXAS. The Indian word “Tejas” means friends. And Jack was truly that ... a friend to ALL. Jack possessed the innate ability to size up another man based on first impression. As he got to know someone better,  he was appropriately influenced. He enjoyed his comradeship with fellow associates, who became lifelong friends. He was faithful to his warm sensibilities and rubbed shoulders with his buddies in good times  and bad. He was extremely supportive and loyal to his family and his pals. The light may have gone out on the essence of the  vessel this man once inhabited ... but it will shine bright in the nightly skies, as we recall his earthly journey. Jacks’ departure from the here and now  signifies the beginning of his new adventure in a heavenly home. May the grief endured and the tears shed be replaced with SMILES as we recognize what a good life he lived. We say “Adieu” valiant COKE MAN ... a wonde  ul Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend. Rest in PEACE ... Jack Edwin Banister My regards and condolences to the FAMILY ! John Dill