Eugene "Gene" Bannister

GILLETTE, Wyo. – Eugene Ellsworth "Gene" Bannister, 81, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009. He passed away at Campbell County Memorial Hospital after complications from fractured ribs. He was surrounded by the family he loved so well. Gene was born July 15, 1928, in Mason, Wis., to William and Blanche (Bates) Bannister. He leaves behind a legacy of love for four generations. He overcame many challenges in his young years only to be blessed with a long, full life. He was a pilot with a passion for flying and had several planes through the years. He also served on the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission for many years. When someone had an emergency or just needed to get somewhere fast, his plane was in the air. He also loved the cabin he owned on Sand Creek for 20 years and taught his children and grandchildren some of his greatest hunting and fishing. Gene was an amazing entrepreneur and his passion for business was evident. He was a man with strong hands, building Mama her first home himself and digging the basement with a shovel. His greatest passion in life however, was his pretty wife of 63 years and his children and grandchildren. He taught us all to love the Lord and be grateful for what life blessed us with. His favorite expression no matter who walked in was "You're my best one." Gene is survived by his wife, Nina of Gillette; his son, David (Mary) Bannister; two daughters, Linda (Steve) Bricker and Connie (Tom) Rothenbuehler; his son, Steve (Gerri) Bannister; grandchildren, Jeff (Leigha) Carsrud, Stephanie McKown, Tim Carsrud, Geneil Hansen, Andrew (Jennifer) Carsrud, Brian Bannister, Zac Rothenbuehler, Katie Carpenter, Steven Bannister, Taylor Bannister, Beau Rothenbuehler, Lucas Bannister, and JB and Pepper Bricker; great-grandchildren, Paige and Brittney McKown, Brianna, Bradi, Taelor and Trey Hansen, Justin, Leslie, Skylar, McKenna, Timmy, EmmaLee, Katie, Jess Ann and Caleb Carsrud, Dillon, Delani and Blake Bannister, Wesley, Matti and Brekk Bannister, Chase Bricker, Hunter and Bailey West, and Faith Carpenter; and great-great-grandchild, Noah Fairfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Goldie Ann Bannister and Alice Manning; and brother, Alvin Bannister. Services will be at 10 a.m. today at The Family Life Church in Gillette, with grandson Andy Carsrud of the True Life Church of the Black Hills officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Pisgah Cemetery. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. Fifth St., Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences can also be sent via the Web site at www.gillettememorialchapel.com Dad and Grampa you truly are "OUR BEST ONE"