Donald Lionel Bankston

Mr. Bankston is survived by his wife of 54 years, Martha, his mother, Loree Bankston, and one son, Donald Bankston Jr. & his wife Jeannine. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, James Bankston of Arlington, David Bankston & his wife Lauren of Austin, and Sarah Bankston & her fiancé Ramon Alvarado of Arlington.

Donald is a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the US Air Force for 20 years. He served in Texas, Vietnam, Panama, South Carolina, and California and retired as Master Sargent. He started his Air Force career as a jet aircraft mechanic and later became a computer technician. His final posting at Almaden Air Force Station he was in charge of the AN/FYQ-47 computer. After the closing of Almaden Air Force Station in California, the family moved back home to Texas. He was employed at Burroughs Computer/Unisys for 25 years.

Donald was an avid Dallas Cowboy’s fan & armchair coach who attended games at all 3 home stadiums. His typical attire was a Dallas Cowboys ball cap and a red polo shirt to hide potential salsa stains. He enjoyed “classic” sci-fi movies (“Plan 9 From Outer Space”) and loads of popcorn with extra-extra butter. He and his camera recorded many grandchildren events. He especially enjoyed the road trips for the grandchildren events. He and his family attended the reunion of Almaden Air Force Station in 2010 on Mount Umunhum where the old base was located.

Visitation and evening services will be Thursday May 11, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Home. The funeral service will start at 7:00 pm and visitation will continue after the service. Military Graveside service will be 11:30 am Friday May 12, 2017 at The Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.