Roland “Bruce” Bannister was born, June 8, 1950, in Miles City, Montana to Roland R. and Jessie M. Noble. He was the oldest of three boys. Bruce was born and raised in Miles City where he attended school, graduating from Custer County High School in 1968.
Following high school and a brief marriage Bruce joined the United States Marine Corps. He served his time during the Vietnam War. After returning home Bruce attended some college at Miles Community College.
Being a true entrepreneur, Bruce tried his hand at a little of everything. His endeavors included a local t-shirt shop, selling and installing satellite dishes, selling and installing solar panels all over Eastern Montana and a few other things.
Bruce was quite the character with an unforgettable laugh and fun spirit. He valued time with his family and friends above anything else. A close second was spending the winters in Arizona. His last wish that was unfortunately not fulfilled was to have one last trip to the sunny state.
Bruce is survived by several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Brent and Billy Bannister, many aunts and uncles, and a special cousin who was more like a nephew, Damon Wright.
He will be missed by many!
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM. After the service interment with Military Honors will take place at Custer County Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Friday September 13, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Friday September 13, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday September 13, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Friday September 13, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Friday September 13, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday September 13, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Rita Mulkey George says
Bruce, Have known you forever, I remember our childhood, I remember our church life, I Thank you for your service to our country, I know you are in heaven and I will see you again and we will go on with our friendship.
Garth Sleight says
I met Bruce during the summer of 1986 when I first started at Miles Community College. He sold and set up a satellite dish in the college courtyard when I was getting the Spanish curriculum up and running on a Title III Grant. The satellite dish made it possible for us to pick up some Spanish programming when that was the only viable option. He was a conscientious worker and did a good job. I liked Bruce and am sorry to see he has passed away. RIP, Bruce. My condolences to Bruce’s family and friends.
Janet B Klein says
So sorry to see this! May you rest in Peace Bruce!
Don Rooney says
I knew Bruce way back when he worked on my parents, Larry and Bernice Rooney satellite dish. Rip my Friend.
Jim Flor says
RIP Bruce! You was a good friend. Semper Fi Brother!
Jim(Gymmie Jam) Flor says
RIP Bruce and Semper Fi my friend.
James Arneson says
I have known Bruce for years. I have missed seeing him this past couple of years. I used to get to visit with him almost every day. Rest in Peace my friend.
Diona Austill says
Rest in peace Bruce!
Tracee Raymond Waples says
To Bruce’s family,
I have known Bruce for many years as he used to run around with my ex and my brothers. What a wonderful guy he was. Bruce would give a person a shirt off his back. He will be dearly missed. Prayers to all. RIP my friend!
Dick Culver says
A favorite friend RIP.
Burl Mulkey says
RIP Bruce !
Tc says
Bruce was a big part of my childhood with my best friend Damon growing up this hit hard. Prayers to his family.
Larry D French says
RIP Bruce.
Al morast says
Drove tractor together, pounded nails together,set up solar dishes together,drove to Arizona and back many times together, lm going to miss you my friend. Rest in peace.
Bill Holton says
Rest in peace brother, Semper Fi…..
Mike Archdale says
Bruce, was one special man. Sad story.Thank you for your service for our country in Vietnam. Bruce always had a smile on his face, time to visit and share his latest business adventures and his dreams. Rest in peace Bruce.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Bruce was my first “boyfriend” being one of only two boys in 1st Grade at Kinsey School. The 8 of us started 1st grade together, then graduated CCHS together! His family were all boys and our family at the time were all girls and we did many things together- sledding, skating, swimming and many more fun things! I recently talked to Bruce on the phone & he wanted to come home. Thank you for your service! RIP, my good friend🇺🇸
Danna Jablinske says
Sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was friends with my brother Kent. I never realized he’s a Marine. Semper Fi
I’m sure you & Kent have several years to catch up on.
Rest easy.
The Jablinske family
Cindy Raymond says
Bruce was such a good person. He was so good to my kids and brought so much joy to their time together. He will be missed.
Nora Gamber says
RIP Bruce you will be missed.
Tom Masa says
My old friend!
Bruce and I were buddies for years! Rambling around M.C., having a good time. As the years separated us, we would still get together usually during the summer and have a good time. May he rest in peace, and find what he is looking for!
Myrna Mulkey Higgins says
Dear Bruce, from childhood on we shared our school life, our church life and community life. So many memories that come to mind. Thank you for your military service. Our generations were entwined as your Moms’ mother taught my mother piano lessons when she was a young girl! Will be seeing you in heaven one day.
Robert Blow says
Met Bruce when he got home from his tour with the Marines. I returned from the army about same time. We quickly became friends and made a few road trips together. I was caught up on his easygoing attitude and his laugh we’ve been friends since. We always tried to get together when we didn’t live by one another. I’ll miss Bruce may you be in the comfort of the Lord. See you on the flip side…..Bob
Barbara Blow says
I met Bruce in the early 70’s. He was a good friend of my husband Robert Blow. Bob, Tom, and Bruce were the 3 Amigos. Bruce was always so fun to be with he was a treasure to know. Last summer we went to visit him at the Montana home for Veterans. We will miss him so much!!
Mike Mangen says
Rest in peace Bruce, everyone will miss your smile.
Gary Coffrin says
I am uncertain who submitted the obituary, but it is much appreciated. Such sad news. Bruce and I lived on the same block during the early and mid-1950s and played together often when the Banister family home was on South Strevell. Our lives intersected less often after that, but Bruce had a good heart and was always ready with a hearty laugh.
Xina says
Bruce was a regular around the house while I was growing up.
I remember his satellite and solar businesses, they were so before their time! His laugh was unmistakable and will be missed.