Jack E. Bankson of Oil City passed away on April 8, 2017 at The Caring Place in Franklin, PA.

Bom January 21, 1924 in Oil City, he was the son of the late Lynn Waldo and Elue Parker Bankson.

He was a graduate of Oil City Senior High School and Franklin Commercial College. He also was a graduate of the University of Chicago Installment Credit School and attended Bucknell University.

Mr. Bankson was employed for 36 years by First Seneca Bank, retiring as branch manager.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific Theater and was honorably discharged on January 16, 1946 as a Staff Sergeant.

He was a member of the Rouseville United Methodist Church and served on the Administrative Board. He was a former member and president of Rouseville Borough Council, former member of the Venango County Planning Commission, the Oil City Salvation Army Board and member and treasurer of the Rynd Farm Cemetery.

Mr. Bankson was active in several Masonic organizations. He was a 70 year member and Past Master of Fraternal Lodge 483, F. & A M. in Rouseville. He was also a 62 year member, Past Thrice Potent Master and Past Treasurer of Venango Lodge of Perfection. He also was a member of the New Castle Consistory. He received the Meritorious Service Award in 1994 and the 33rd degree in 1995, the highest honor in Masonry.

He was a member and past president and treasurer of the Cranberry Area Lions Club. He received the Melvin Jones Fellow award for humanitarian service.

He was married to the former Betty Jeane Stephens on June 14, 1950 by the Reverend Norman Constable.

He is survived by a daughter, Jane Ann Byham and husband Michael of Franklin, a son James S. and wife Wendy of Oil City and four grandchildren, Nathanael Byham, and his wife Megan, Jonathan Byham, and his wife Tessa, Timothy Byham and Jocelyn Bankson.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by an infant twin daughter, Joyce Lynn, a sister, Ardelle Marks and her husband Bud, and a brother-in-law, Richard Stephens.

Friends and family may call at the Morrison Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm.

A Masonic Service will be held at 7 pm Wednesday in the funeral home, followed by the funeral service.

Interment will be in the Rynd Farm Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Cranberry Lions Club or to a charity of one’s choice.

To send flowers, a memorial gift, or to leave condolences to the family of Jack E. Bankson please visit www.morrisonhome.com