Jerald Barnes Bannister

Jerald Barnes Bannister of Perrysburg, OH, 73, died April 5, 2014. He was born to William and Carmen Bannister Christmas Day 1940 and grew up near Upton Avenue. Jerry graduated from DeVilbiss HS in 1958 and The Ohio University in 1962. He married his college sweetheart Sharon Mathers after graduation. Jerry was an Army Vietnam Veteran stationed in Fort Hood Texas as a 2nd Lieutenant. After honorable discharge he immediately began a 37 year career with OI. He held several executive and international positions until retiring as Director Government Relations and Public Affairs in 2000. He and his family moved with OI many times during his life and Jerry made friends along the way, from Texas to the East Coast and Midwest US to Geneva Switzerland returning to Perrysburg OH in 1981. He loved his community, cherished his friends and enjoyed his family and grandchildren immensely. He was always engaged in the family activities from whitewater rafting, to skiing, scouting, boating, sports; he was ready to participate, support, cheer or snap the photos. Jerry remained very active in the community after his retirement from OI. The family joked he never really retired from anything he was passionate about. Jerry has always been an advocate for the environment, enthusiastically promoted recycling and conservation. He was a Board Member for the State of Ohio Recycling and Litter Prevention Advisory Council, Board Chairman for “Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful” (KT/LCB) and member of Perrysburg Litter Control. He was an active member Wood County Republican Club, member of the American Legion and spent 9 years on the Board of the Way Public Library. Recently he was surprised by the institution of the KT/LCB sponsored “Jerry Bannister Green Stewardship Award”. He was truly honored and proud to be remembered this way. He is survived by his wife Sharon; his 3 children Michaella (Jeff) Schaller of Perrysburg, OH; Deborah (Tim) Taagen of Eagle, CO; Ryan (Kathleen) Bannister of Perrysburg, OH; and 5 grandchildren Tyler, Stuart and Brecken Schaller; Claire and Hans Taagen and Sister Carol Needles. Friends will be received on Friday, April 11, 2014 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM in the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary St., Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 (419-874-3133) where visitation will continue on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 10:00 AM with a Celebration of Jerald’s Life to begin at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Fort Meigs Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to www.foundation.waylibrary.info.