John Holland Bannister was born in Houston, TX on September 24, 1922 and died April 16, 2011 in Goldthwaite, TX at Goldthwaite Health & Rehab Center. His parents were Catherine Holland and John Howard Bannister.

John was raised in Houston and graduated from West Columbia High School. He then attended the A&M College of Texas (class of ’44) prior to Officer Candidate School. John then returned to graduate with the class of ’46. On November 27, 1943 he married Nancy Catherine Moss of Bryan, TX. He served as an artillery captain in Europe during World War II and as a combat infantry major with the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division in Korea during the Korean conflict. John was active in the oil industry for many decades, both in the domestic and international fields. After retiring, he and Nancy then moved to San Saba in 1990. John was involved in ranching, the A&M Former Students Assoc., the Masonic Lodge, the Rotary Club, the San Saba County Museum, EMS, First United Methodist Church (a member of the Men’s class), until his health declined in 2009.

John is survived by his wife, Nancy; and sons, Dr. John Howard Bannister II and wife Dr. Pamela Yu of Austin; Kimball Bryant Bannister of Sugarland and his daughter, Sara Bannister Wilson and her husband, Richard of Austin.

Visitaion will be on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in San Saba. Funeral service will be at 1:30 PM Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at McMillin Cemetery with Rev. Judy Tolbert and Rev. Debby Lake officiating. Interment will be at McMillin Cemetery.

John is preceded in death by his brother, Wesley M. Bannister. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, EMS, or charity of choice.