George Michael Bankert, Jr.

George M. Bankert, Jr., of Poplar Bluff, Mo., left this world on Monday, June 27, 2016 to join his Heavenly Father and be reunited with his beloved wife of 73 years, Betty. George was born to George M. Bankert, Sr. and Ruby Adaline Shelton Bankert on Dec. 5, 1921 in Evansville, Ind. He was their only child.

George married Oma Elizabeth "Betty" Phillips, the love of his life, on July 19, 1943 before leaving to fight in the South Pacific in World War II. They had 73 years together before her death on Sept. 8, 2015.

George was a Communications Officer with the US Army Air Corps and served in New Guinea and the Southern Philippines. He was awarded the American Theater Service Medal, the Philippines Liberation Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during the war. He was a First Lieutenant in the 141st Army Airways Communication System Squadron.

George and Betty were moved to Poplar Bluff by McKesson Drug Company in 1952. They were active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church since they first came to Poplar Bluff. They both served in many different capacities in different organizations at the Church. George had on more than one occasion served as Chairperson of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocesan development Fund. Betty was an active member of St. Anne's Altar Society. They served their church family in many different roles.

After thirty years with McKesson, George was one of the founders of Poplar Bluff Computer Center until his retirement in 2000. He was an avid golfer and thoroughly enjoyed working in his yard.

George is survived by his nephews, Don (Pat) Phillips of Leesburg, Fla. and Ron (Miriam) Brewster of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and several other nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father William Hodgson officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow immediately at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Altar Beautification, 123 No. 8th St. in Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 in his and Betty's memory.