William W Bannister Obituary (1929 - 2015)

LOWELL- William W. Bannister, 86, of Lowell and formerly of Chelmsford, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at Merrimack Valley Hospice House. He was the beloved husband of Sue Ann (Stewart) Bannister to whom he has been happily married for 63 years. He was born in Terre Haute, IN on February 24, 1929 and was a son of the late William and Marie (Jeffs) Bannister. William was a Retired Captain in the United States Navy having served during the Korean War. He earned a PhD in Chemistry from Purdue University, and was a Professor of Organic Chemistry at University of Massachusetts, Lowell from 1967 until 1996, a position which he loved. Although officially retired in 1996, William continued to maintain an office and mentor students at the university. He enjoyed travelling and spending winters on Amelia Island, FL with his wife. He is survived by his five sons; William Bannister and his wife Linda of Chelmsford, MA, Jeffrey Bannister and his wife Deborah of Atkinson, NH, Thomas Bannister and his wife Joan of Ogunquit, ME, Michael Bannister of Dover, NH, and Andrew Bannister and his wife Laurie of Townsend, MA, and 11 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers John Bannister and Robert Bannister. Memorial visitation will take place on Monday from 11 am to 1 pm at the Blake Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford followed by his Funeral Service at 1 oclock. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Williams memory may be made to the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North Ave., Haverhill, MA, 01830. Visitation August 10, 2015 11:00am - 1:00pm, Blake Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Service Information August 10, 2015 1:00pm, Blake Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824