Thomas Richard Bankston, age 77, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away on March 12, 2025, in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Visitation will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, Nacogdoches, Tx. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm with the Rev. Dr. Todd Jordan, Strawbridge United Methodist Church, Kingwood Tx., Reverend Beth Chenault, Strawbridge United Methodist Church, Kingwood, Tx., Reverend Andrew Hook, First United Methodist Church, Nacogdoches. Tx. and Reverend Emily Bankston, Strawbridge United Methodist Church, Kingwood, Tx., officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Nacogdoches TX. Arrangements are by O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home.

Tom was born on August 5, 1947, to John and Ellen Bankston in Marshall, Tx. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1966 and Stephen F Austin State University with a BA degree in business administration in 1989. He married the love of his life, Debra Wimberley Bankston on May 26, 1979, in Marshall Tx. Tom worked as a General Sales Manager for Mrs. Baird's Bakery until 1983. Following college graduation, Tom owned and operated Nacogdoches Printing Company. He later worked as an outside salesperson for Kline's Printing Company and Wrap It Up until his retirement in 2025. Tom was a member of First United Methodist Church, Nacogdoches, the Nacogdoches High School Athletic Booster Club, and the Stephen F Austin State University LadyJack Booster Club. He was a member of DeMolay during his high school years.

Tom enjoyed playing golf and fishing with friends. He particularly enjoyed following his daughter in athletic events during her high school and college years, and, most recently, in her children's ministry and foster parenting.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Debra, daughter, Emily Bankston, of Kingwood, Tx., and grandson along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Joe Elmore, Texarkana, Tx., Bill Kinkead, Kyle Tx., John Kinkead, Lavernia, Tx., Daniel Kinkead, Covington, WA, Ben Bates, Austin, Tx. and Cameron Ames, Tyler, Tx. Honorary pallbearers will be brothers-in-law, Dr David Bates, Marshall TX, and Tom Kinkead, San Antonio TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches or Sunshine Kids (sunshinekids.org).

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Aaron Polk, Nacogdoches, Tx., and Dr. Lucas Duvall and the nursing staff at The Methodist Hospital, The Woodlands, Texas.

Tom will be missed.