Bert Preston Bannister

Bert Preston Bannister, born on January 29, 1924, passed away on May 29, 2017 at the age of 93. He was the beloved son of Preston Monroe and Mildred Timlin Bannister and a lifelong resident of New Orleans. Bert is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Olga Flanner Bannister and his son, Bert Preston Bannister, II. Surviving family include his children Larry (Kathleen), George and Ronald Bannister; his step-children Henry (Janie) Weigand, Dana (Arthur) Laurent and Pam (John) Sowa; a grandson Gabriel; 13 step grandchildren and 29 step great grandchildren and 3 step great great grandchildren. Bert graduated from Warren Easton High School and attended Tulane University. While at Tulane he joined the N.R.O.T.C. and was a commissioned officer by the age of 19. His college experience was interrupted when he was called to active duty as a Naval Officer and he served in the Pacific theater until the end of World War II. Originally trained to serve as an underwater demolitions team (UDT) member, he was injured in a training accident after completing just a few missions. He was then re-assigned to the engine room of an aircraft carrier and there he completed his tour of duty. Returning to New Orleans after his discharge, he continued to work onboard ships as an engineer, eventually working up to Chief Engineer, which was his rank when he retired. During this time, he traveled many times to South America where he met his first wife, Blanca Romero. He resigned to take a land-based job as a boiler inspector and he completed his Bachelor's degree in Physics from Tulane University. Bert was very active socially. He and his wife, Olga, were members of a number of Carnival Krewes, notably Hercules and Pandora. Also, he pursued an abiding interest in gardening, not only maintaining a vegetable garden but also growing prize roses, which he often took to competitions. He, like his father before him, was also a member of the Masons and he attained 32nd degree. During his early and midlife years he was a very avid fisherman and hunter. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park.