Donald W. Bankard

Donald W. Bankard, 76, of Hanover, beloved husband of Mary Jo Bankard, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Born on Saturday, February 28, 1948 in Westminster, MD, he was a son of the late Earl Joseph and Viola Virginia Dull Bankard. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Harold and Gerald Bankard; and a sister in law, Nancy Forney. Donald was a firefighter with the Baltimore City Fire Department, was employed as manager of Tractor Supply in Westminster, and for 20 years, owned and operated Lake Gaston Services, until he retired in 2018. He was a staff sergeant in the US Air Force veteran during the Vietnam War and was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Ebony, VA. In his younger years, Donald enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and brothers, but dearly loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of nearly 55 years, are three daughters, Michelle Bankard Marmo and wife, Kelly Schenke, of Lancaster, Nikki Matteson and husband, Scott, of New Windsor, MD, and Megan Sullivan and husband, Colin, of Columbia, MD; six grandchildren, Erik and Anna Matteson, Zach and Henry Probolus, and Alex and Nathan Sullivan; a step-grandchild, Noah Schenke; two sisters, Phyllis Bankard, and Earlene Carver and her husband, Larry; two brothers, Robert Bankard and his wife, Barbara, and Kevin Bankard and his wife, Janise; an adopted daughter, Brenda Hughes; a sister in law, Joyce Bankard; and several nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Donald’s life will be held at 5 PM on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Panebaker Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Inc., 311 Broadway in Hanover. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethania Home Care, 80 Bell Road, Westminster, MD 21158, Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306, or to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 31 Ebony Road, Ebony, VA 23845.