Paul D. Bankston

On the twenty third day of May 2021, Paul David Bankston passed away peacefully at seventy-nine years of age. He spent his final moments surrounded by his adoring family in the home where he resided, located in Spring Branch, Texas.

Paul was born in Chicago, Illinois on the nineteenth day of April 1942, to parents Viola and William Bankston. He spent his formative years in Arkansas where, when he was of age, he proudly joined the National Guard. Paul was eighteen years of age when he began to learn and cultivate his skills in the craft of carpentry, a craft at which he quickly excelled, and a craft that would serve indefinitely to provide for himself and eventually for his family. On the thirteenth of January 1966, Paul married Frances Joanne Cates a woman that he loved, honored and cherished for over a half of a decade just as he had promised to on the day she became his wife. With Frances by his side and the support and joy she brought to his life at age twenty-four he began his first company, Bankston Construction. Along the way Paul and Frances welcomed four beautiful children to the world. The family resided in their home in Baytown, Texas until 1987 when Paul and Frances took on work endeavors that would allow them to travel and experience a greater sampling of this country that Paul loved so much. A little over a decade later, in 1999, Paul and Frances landed in San Antonio eventually settling in Spring Branch which enabled them to enjoy , what always remained of utmost importance to Paul, a close proximity and relationship to their children, and subsequently their growing abundance of grandchildren.

Paul made an example of his devout servitude to Christ in the lessons he taught his children and

Grandchildren, in his real life testimony of adversity and grace, a testimony that turned many eyes to Jesus. Paul enjoyed attending church every Sunday, if it were possible, and delighted in fellowship with his church family. Paul honored his loyalty to his church home by serving as an usher at Cornerstone Church for nine years.

Paul Bankston is a man that will be remembered as a devout follower of Christ, a loving and devoted father, brother, uncle, son and friend. Paul Bankston's work ethic is one of his most poignant defining traits. He will be appreciated always for his commitment to the quality, timely completion and esthetics of his trade. Paul was a brilliant carpenter, it was not only his trade but also his passion and it has become a defining facet of his legacy. Paul committed himself to the tutelage of his sons and the men in his charge, his daughter’s constant exposure to his work resulting in a keen eye for design and architectural awareness ensuring that the art of carpentry will continue to benefit from his wisdom and experience for generations to come.

He did not mince words and taught the people around him through his example what genuine honesty should look like. If he disliked something he did not keep it to himself, if he enjoyed something he would openly endorse it, and if he felt unsure about something he exemplified diplomacy in his ability to hold his tongue until he was no longer uncertain about his feelings.

Paul enjoyed hunting and spending time outdoors, particularly when such time could be shared with his family. He adored his grandchildren and relished any opportunity to enjoy their company.

When Paul wasn't building and creating, he enjoyed browsing flea markets and trade shows. He loved the thrill of a hunt for the perfect overlooked treasure.

Paul is survived by his wife Frances Bankston; his son, Paul and Spouse Bre Bankston; his son,

Russell and spouse Melissa Bankston; his daughter, Paula and spouse Rusty Willey; his son, John Bankston and spouse Heather; his brother, William Bankston; sister, Pat Causey; multiple nieces and nephews; grandchildren: Ashley, Jennifer, Rodney, Chris, Tanya, Zachary, Lauren, Chloe, Gage, Annabella, Sophia, Cody, Kailyn, John Jr., Brandon, Brandy Jo, Mark, Laura, Kaylee, Kaleb, Kailyn and Theodore. Paul is also survived by twenty two great-grandchildren.

The family will receive guests for a visitation on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 4pm-7pm at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held Friday, May 28, at 9:30 am at Hill Country Memorial Gardens, 11700 TX-46, New Braunfels, TX 78132 (830-904-7401)

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to:

The Sanctuary of Hope

P.O. Box 1400

San Antonio, TX 78295-1400

Phone: 210.499.1554

Email: [email protected]

Website: sohcares.org

“For I know the plans I have for you’, ‘Plans for prosperity and not disaster, to give you a future and hope.” Jeremiah 29:11