Lester L. Bankert

Lester L. Bankert, 85, of Hanover, PA, entered into God’s eternal care Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at home with his loving family by his side.

Born June 4, 1940, in Hanover, PA, he was the son of the late Lester G. and Arlene M. (Landis) Bankert.  Lester was the loving husband of Margaret A. (Reed) Bankert, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.

Lester was a member of St. Paul’s Dubs UCC, Hanover, PA.

Lester was a 1958 graduate of Eichelberger High School, Hanover, PA.  He retired from P.H. Glatfelter in 2002, and was a member of the Glatfelter’s Quarter Century Club.  After his retirement, he enjoyed working as a school crossing guard at South Western School District.

Lester was an election pole constable, and helped with the Pal Lunch Program.  He was a member of Hanover Area Fire & Rescue and the Fire Police of Penn Township.  He received a Certificate of Golden Achievement, a citation from the state of Pennsylvania for over 50 years of service with volunteer fire companies. 

In addition to his loving wife, Margaret, Lester is survived by his children, Lester M. Bankert and wife Louise of Hanover, PA, Betty Jo Rice and husband Dave of Allentown, PA, and David A. Bankert, Sr. of Hanover, PA;  seven grandchildren, Timothy Bankert, David A. Bankert, Jr., Maxwell E. Bankert, Chantel N. Owczarek, Samantha J. Bankert, Matthew D. Rice, and Michael S. Rice; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Roger L. Bankert of Hanover, PA.

A funeral service to celebrate and remember Lester will be held 11AM, Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA, with the Rev. Chester Carbaugh officiating.  Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Hanover, PA.  A visitation and time to share memories with the family will be held from 4-6PM, Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hanover Area Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company #79, 204 Clover Lane, Hanover, PA, 17331.

The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

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