Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1933
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Langston Bannister Obituary
The Reverend Doctor Langston Clinton Bannister, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, teacher, pastor, colleague, neighbor and friend passed from this earthly life on Friday, November 22, 2019. Langston was born on December 8, 1933, in Wake Forest, Virginia, to Frank Bannister, Sr. and Revella Harrison Bannister. Langston began his lifelong education in a one room schoolhouse. He pursued intellectual excellence as he completed degree programs at Tuskegee University, and next serving his country in the U.S. Air Force. A Master's degree from San Francisco State University and a Doctorate from the University of Massachusetts followed. Langston served students of The University of Toledo as a professor for 30 years and was instrumental in the expansion of the Education Sociology Department. It was during this time that Langston spent a year with his family on sabbatical in Oslo, Norway working in an International Management Program for Educational Change. He also conducted workshops in Indonesia. While at UT he served as Senior Pastor of Third Baptist Church for 18 years. In retirement, Langston completed a three year Spiritual Formation program which enhanced his work as a mentor, lecturer and community leader. Langston was particularly sought out by pastors as a mentor. He was passionate about helping others, and was observant in knowing who was in need of assistance. He shared his gifts and his love generously, welcoming many young people into his own sphere to help them reach their goals and use their talents. He inspired his own family to seek higher levels of achievement through education.
Langston was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Frank and sister, Dorothy Bannister Brown.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted and loving wife of 59 years, Elizabeth; daughters, Angela Bannister, Carla (Nate) Bond, Michelle (Sean) Williams; son, Alan (Patekka) Bannister; grandchildren, Kai and Nate Bond, Sean, Jr., Ian, and Seth, and Cranston Bannister.
Friends may join the family for visitation on Monday, November 25th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel at 572 Nebraska Avenue. A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, November 26th, at 11:00 am at Warren AME Church, 915 Collingwood Boulevard, Rev. Otis Gordon Jr. pastor, and the family will receive guests at 10:00 am, interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.
http://www.dalefh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Langston Bannister
Samuel Allen
July 22, 2024
Remembering Lang and Angie. My condolences to the family, friends and relatives.
Cousins Toby, Charlene, Michaela and Mackenzie
Carmella Reid
March 29, 2023
Dr Bannister was an intelligent but a Funny man.He helped me with a situation while attending University of Toledo that I will never forget.He was kind Hearted and Knowledgeable and is very missed
Kathryn Wagner
March 27, 2023
So sorry to find this. And I send condolences. Did your father teach at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco?
Carmella D. Reid
November 18, 2021
Mr Bannister was a very nice and funny person. He had alot of good advice and life lessons he shared.He is Greatly missed.
Stacey King
November 27, 2019
Many years ago, Dr Bannister was a professor of mine. Only one class, but I still remember his attitude and his message. What a wonderful man.
Glen and Peggy Dobbins 39130 Old Bayou Avenue
November 26, 2019
We are deeply saddened by LC's passing. We were blessed to have the support of your family as we had three little girls close to the ages of your girls. You accepted us as family from the day we met. We missed you all as we
moved to other parts of the country.
Wait on the Lord and He shall strengthen your heart. Psalms 27:14
Carmella Reid
November 26, 2019
Mr Bannister was a Great Man who will be missed but remembered,my deepest condolences go out to the Family and I send my Heartfelt Prayers and Love
Chuck Campbell
November 26, 2019
To The Bannister Family:
May your bereavement be filled with fond memories. You are in my prayers.
God bless you all,
Angie Whitenburg
November 26, 2019
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Langston was a amazing man, and I am glad I had the privilege of meeting him when I worked at Aspen Grove. He will live on in everyone's hearts forever.
Deepest Sympathy.
Bishop Marjorie Holt
November 25, 2019
To the Bannister family, I am so saddened for the loss of Dr. Bannister. Memories will linger of the many conversations that we shared about our community, our callings, and our love for God. May you forever cherish the love that he shared with so many of us. He will remain in our hearts always. Bless you during this time.
Linda & Talmadge
Linda Boyd-Reese
November 25, 2019
For those of us left behind, we pray to see you again with our heavenly Father!!! Love Always - Linda L. Boyd-Reese and Families.
Judy Helm
November 24, 2019
Dear Betty and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May you always remember all of those wonderful experiences you had together with Langston. May God bless your family as you gather together, Judy. Helm
Christie Okoyomo
November 24, 2019
What a shock to have lost one of God's angels on earth. May you find peace in the bosom of our Lord. Rest In Peace my honorable mentor and Professor. You will be greatly missed.
November 24, 2019
To Betty and family, my family the Chris Gayle family extend to you our sincere sympathy. Rev. Bannister 's many great and inspiring messages shall resonate in our hearts. We shall miss his voice of greatness and his life of goodness. Chris and Yvonne Gayle
Sandra Gaietto
November 24, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed. He had a wonderful laugh and a beautiful smile.Sincerely,Sandy Gaietto
Memories
Linda Boyd-Reese
November 24, 2019
I know that Rev. Bannister is having a great conversation with God as he did with so many people such as myself and we will never forget his input into our lives but to those left behind, know that he is fine and now it is left up to those of us left behind to keep the message of love moving forward so that we may see our dear friend again but in the meantime, family be encouraged by being related to a special man with such a kind spirit all the years that I knew him. Sincerely, Linda Boyd-Reese and of course Talmadge Reese Jr. whom he many conversations with in the past. Be of good courage dear family members to see him again!!! Love, Linda L. Boyd-Reese and say "hello" to my dear mother - Sylvia Boyd.
Rosalyn Heath
November 24, 2019
The McSwain,Clausell, Heath, Morris send our Deepest Sympathy to your family upon this great loss to you .
Corinthians 12:9- "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. "
Sandra Meeks Speller
November 24, 2019
Al and the entire Bannister family, you have my sincere condolences. Dr. Bannister was a gentle giant and I loved him so much, as he referred to me as his daughter. May God richly bless and keep you during this time of sorrow. Know I am praying for your peace and comfort. Be blessed.
Rodney Beverly
November 23, 2019
My deepest condolences go out to the entire Bannister family. I would have loved to have met Dr. Bannister, but thanks be unto God that I met and know his son Al. The legacy of Dr. Bannister lives within Al, as my fraternity brother and friend was the consummate host to me while I was on vacation in Toledo, OH during the Summer of 2019. My brother Al, your joy is my joy, and your pain is my pain. Thank God that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. I will keep you and the entire Bannister family in my prayers, and prayerfully will see you soon.
God Bless you all,
Brother Rodney Beverly
3-90 ZO
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Langston Bannister's name
Memorial Events
for Langston Bannister
Nov
25
How to support Langston's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Langston Bannister's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
