Edward Bruce Bankston

Edward Bruce Bankston a beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, stepfather and friend to all who knew him peacefully passed away September 1, 2026, age 76. He was born to the late Ellen Stewart Bankston and Lafayette Bankston. Bruce graduated from Hammond High School in 1968, then enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana University. He received a master’s degree plus 30 hours as an Education Science Major from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1971. Bruce’s enthusiasm for teaching and learning was evident in his 34 years as a teacher and school principal with the Tangipahoa Parish School System. He retired as a school principal in 2006 and enjoyed family, traveling, collegiate and professional sports. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus John F. Kennedy Council 2952, attended Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church Mandeville, LA until his illness and a life member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. His love will forever remain in the heart of his devoted wife of 30 years, Gwendolyn Elzy Bankston. He was a faithful and loving father to his three daughters from his first marriage; and looked forward to the weekly zoom call every Sunday with them and his grandchildren for the past seven years. Memories of Bruce are forever cherished by his loving wife Gwendolyn Elzy Bankston Ponchatoula, LA; his daughters, Kelli P. Garon (Christopher) Livingston, LA; Jennifer L. Bankston Woodland Hills, CA; Patricia E. Mason (Thomas) Nashville, TN; grandchildren Parker Colona, Mazlin White, Ethan DeBarraicua, Jonas DeBarraicua, and J.P. Edward Garon; brother, Raymond L. Bankston New Orleans; nephew, Christopher Bankston (Pamela) and great nephew, Brennan Bankston; stepsons James R. Quinn (Clarissa) Ponchatoula, LA, Carl Booker, Jr. (Muriel) Dallas, TX; step grandchildren and a host of loving relatives, in-laws, and friends. Our sincere appreciation to Louisiana Hospice Egan. We were blessed with professional and compassionate care for our loved on and family. Special thanks to nurses, Heather, Cynthia, and Destony; CNA Michell; Social Worker Ashley; Chaplain Byron; Chaplain Patrick, Chaplain Brennan; the office staff and Dr. James Fitzpatrick Medical Director. Also, our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the doctors and nurses at North Oaks Medical Center Emergency Roon and ICU for their excellent teamwork and medical care of our loved one and our family. Bruce’s mother Ellen Stewart Bankston and father Lafayett L. Bankston, preceded him to their heavenly home. In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Edward Bruce Bankston to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Visitation from the Chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, 12012 Hwy 190 West Hammond, LA. on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Rosaryville Memorial Gardens in Ponchatoula.

Edward Bruce Bankston

December 20, 1949 - September 1, 2026