Robert Bannister

Robert T. Bannister passed away at his residence on Saturday, July 5. He was a few days shy of his 67th birthday.

Bob (or “Tom” as he is known by his family and childhood friends) was preceded in death by his parents, Clell M. Bannister and Elva Faye Cottle Bannister and his grandparents, Francis and Ethel Cottle. He is survived and missed by his wife of nearly 50 years, Nedelyn Bannister, and his three children, Meniza Bannister Carl, Samantha Brown, and Justin Bannister, a son-in-law, Brady Carl, and his three grandchildren: Jared Brown, Olivia Brown, and Tommy Brown.

He was born on July 8, 1958 in Winfield, KS. His childhood homes consisted of South Haven, KS; Phoenix and Flagstaff, AZ; Cortez, CO; and Wellington, KS.

After graduating from Wellington High School in 1975, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he traveled the world and met his wife while stationed in the Philippines. Together with their three children, they lived in numerous places during his military career until 1988 when he retired and returned to Wellington.

Bob was a combat veteran, PADI Dive Master, a fireman, EMT, local businessman, and a member of the American Legion, Lions Club, and was the President of the Sumner County American Diabetes Association. He enjoyed farming, night diving, deep-sea diving, golfing, fishing, spending time with family and friends, and had a love for God and country.

Graveside services for Bob will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the Pleasant Hill (Attebery) Cemetery, Rome, Kansas. Bob’s cousin, Pastor Danny Ginn will officiate. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Navy Honors Team.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given in his name and loving memory to Building Homes for Heroes at https://buildinghomesforheroes.org/.

Share a memory, leave condolences, or sign his digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, KS.