Obituary of William Edward Bankston

William Edward Bankston of Silverton died April 10, 2012. He was 92. William was born on June 17th, 1919 in Payton, Iowa. He was the first child of William Harrison and Elbertha (Meirs) Bankston. After his birth came his five siblings, Robert, Beatrice, Zella, Burrel and Donna. Living during the Great Depression took his family to Minnesota, Colorado, California and Oregon in search of employment. The family settled in the Aumsville-Stayton area in 1937. He joined the Army in 1942 and was stationed in California when he met Julianna Braun. They were married on January 15, 1946 in Stayton, Oregon. William and Julianna began their married life in a home they built themselves on 18 acres in the Silverton Hills where they raised strawberries and their six children. William is survived by his daughters, Clare (Glen) Predeek and Diane (Jack) McKee; sons, Gerald (Clara) Bankston, Ernest (Lewanna) Bankston and Alan Bankston; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Julianna; and son, Marvin. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Our gratitude goes to the caregivers at Wisdom Keepers who cared for him the last five years. Donations in his honor may be sent to Willamette Valley Hospice. Arrangements by Crown Memorial Center, Salem.