Patrick Walker Bankston

Born on June 15, 1946, he grew up in the small town of Owego in upstate New York. Dr. Bankston received his B.A. degree from Hobart College in Geneva, New York. He was awarded his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1973. He dedicated his career to teaching, research, and academic leadership at Indiana University School of Medicine Northwest where he rose to the rank of Assistant Dean and Director. Later in his career, he became the founding Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at IU Northwest. He was deeply involved in advancing medical education and championing innovative approaches in the field.

Patrick was very involved and respected throughout the community where he lived and worked in Northwest Indiana serving on the Valparaiso school board, acting as Porter County Commissioner interim, among many others.

After a distinguished career, Dr. Bankston retired to Florida, where he cherished time spent with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Glyn Porter; his daughters, Melissa (Robert) Zveare and Allison Bankston; and his grandchildren Gabrielle and Mason Zveare, who brought him endless joy in his later years.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 31, 2025 at Hardin-Giddens-St. Johns, 1285 St. Johns Parkway, St. Johns, Florida 32259 where friends, family, and colleagues will gather to honor a remarkable life devoted to education, discovery, and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Bankston’s name to PanCan (www.pancan.org) to support research in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Your presence, even from afar, would mean a great deal to the family. We invite you to join us virtually as we celebrate the life and legacy of Patrick.

https://www.youtube.com/live/aCxTlC-dZ5o OR https://www.youtube.com/live/-xqcolwPnJ8