Lt. Col. (Ret) Charles Mallory Banister, Jr.

Lt. Col. (ret) Charles M. Banister, Jr. age 83 passed away suddenly, Friday, May 15, 2015 in Diamondhead, MS. "Charlie" as he was known to everyone, was a kind, funny, outgoing man who could light up a room with his smile. Upon meeting him, his wit, charm and warmth made you feel as if you had been his best friend for years. Charlie lived life and made the most of the one shot we get. He was a compassionate and gentle man who was a role model of how life should be lived each day. He was loved and his memory will be cherished by his family forever. Born in New Orleans and a graduate of LSU in 1955, Charlie was an avid LSU and Saints fan. He spent 13 years of his 21 year military career in Alaska. During his military career he spent two tours in Viet Nam and was the recipient of two Legion of Merit awards denoting exceptional meritorious service. He also taught military history for 4 years at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA. Additionally, he was active in American Legion Baseball and represented Ft. Richardson, AK in organizing the first Arctic Winter Games. Upon retiring from the military, Charlie pursued a career in real estate founding Target Realty and later as the manager of Polar Realty. He relocated from Alaska to Diamondhead, MS to enjoy a life of leisure and golf and to be close to family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Charles M. Banister, Sr. and Anna Stant Banister, his step mother, Hazel Banister and his sister, Joann Schaffer. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Anna Louise McInnis Banister; daughter, Brenda Banister and husband Kelsey Crago of Kiln, MS; son, Charles M. Banister III of Anchorage, AK; daughter, Tina Banister Thomas and husband Jay Thomas of Richmond, TX; grandchildren, Alayna Thomas and Madison Thomas. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Thursday May 21, 2015. Funeral services will be at 12:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Highland Memory Gardens.