Robert Lee Bannister, age 94, of North Platte, passed away at the Sutherland Care Center on Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

Robert was born December 28, 1923, to Walter Lee and Grace Emgard (Hayes) Bannister on the family farm north of Central City, NE, where he grew up.

On September 22, 1944, Robert was united in marriage to Carrie Steinke in Omaha, NE.  The couple farmed north of Central City and Robert drove a truck for several years until they moved to Gibbon, NE, where he worked for a grain elevator for seven years.  They had two children, Terry Lee and Gracia Ann, then moved to Hershey in 1967 where Robert was manager of the Hershey Mills for the next 23 years.  He retired from there in 1988.

Robert was a member and past president of the Hershey Lions Club and Hershey Board of Education.  He was also a 15 year member and chief of the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department as well as a member of the Hershey United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing and “treasure hunting” with his metal detector.

In 1998 Robert and Carrie were named Grand Marshals for the Hershey Fall Festival.  By 2005 they moved to North Platte to be closer to their children and resided at Centennial Park Retirement Village.  They were married for nearly 72 years when Carrie passed away.  Robert loved his family and will be greatly missed.

Robert is survived by his children, Terry (Barbara) Bannister and Gracia (Larry) Kennedy, of North Platte; grandchildren, Todd Armstrong and Marcy Kennedy (Jason), of Omaha, and Micah (Danielle) Kennedy, of Petaluma, CA; five great-grandchildren, Tristan, Lilli,  Kiptyn, Adalynn and Natalie; brother, Ralph (Lillian) Bannister; sister, Margret (Roland) Hopwood; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with his wife, Carrie, Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Grace; and granddaughter, Misty Armstrong.

Cremation was chosen.  Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2018, at the Hershey United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating.  Casual dress is requested for the service.  Inurnment will follow in the Riverside Cemetery.

The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday with family greeting friends from 5-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department.