MARION E. BANNISTER

On Tuesday, May 30, Marion Eugene Bannister (85) passed away peacefully.  Born in Pelzer, SC, on June 25, 1937, to Fred and Lois Bannister, Marion was the youngest boy of a family of five children.  Growing up in a small town afforded Marion the joys that made him most happy, a daily life full of sports.  His most notable accomplish was scoring a record setting 100 points in a single high school basketball game. Not one that embraced the idea of formal education, he joined the US Navy after his high school graduation.  Little did he realize that his entering the military at the age of 18 would move him west and right into finding his true love.

While on leave off shore in Sacramento, Marion meet his future bride Julie Ugenti and began a courtship that lasted during his four years in the service.  On September 19, 1959, Marion and Julie wed in Sacramento, CA and began their life together.  They welcomed a son, Tod Bannister, in May of 1961 and the family of three became active members in the community.  Marion worked in operations for 40 years in department stores and retail outlets.

Marion’s true passion could be discovered in the sporting arena.  Whether coaching at St. Charles Borromeo or his Thursday golf game, Marion found joy in the world of athletics.  Working with young people and impacting their lives was a gift that Marion shared with countless youth over his decades of coaching at St. Charles of Borromeo and Parkway Little League.  He cherished these memories and shared stories endlessly.

Marion was predeceased by his parents Fred and Lois Bannister, brothers Bobby and Billy Bannister, and a sister Carol (Bannister) Coker.  He is survived by his wife Julie Bannister, son Tod Bannister (Jacky Eshelby), sister Ruby (Jack) LaBrack, brother in-laws, Jeff Gonsalves and Mark Gonsalves (Julie Mezzano), and countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, June 26, at 11am at Holy Spirit Church, 3159 Land Park Dr, Sacramento.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ACC Senior Services in Sacramento, who took such good care of Marion in his final days.