John Denis Banister

John Denis Banister was born on November 18, 1916 in Mangum, Greer, OK to parents Lawrence Ward Bannister (1878-1938) and Henrietta Elizabeth Hughes Bannister (1886-1973). He grew up in a large family with 11 siblings. He was a graduate of Mangum High School, Western New Mexico University, and Sul Ross State University, while also completing graduate studies at Eastern New Mexico University. He married Geraldine Elizabeth Clark (1922-2010) on November 6, 1943, in Mangum, Greer, Oklahoma. Shortly after getting married, he and his wife moved to Lakewood in 1945, where he started his career as a dedicated public school teacher and administrator. He taught at Malaga for one year before settling in Cottonwood, where he served as a teacher and principal from 1949 to 1970. Later, at Artesia's Zia Middle School, he continued to teach until his retirement in 1980. During his distinguished service in the US Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945, Mr. Banister served as a liaison pilot and was stationed in India, Burma, and China. His valor and contributions earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Asia-Pacific Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Service Stars. Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Banister actively engaged with the Cottonwood community, coaching numerous basketball, baseball, and softball teams. Additionally, he showed his commitment as a Boy Scout leader and an enthusiastic supporter of 4-H.