Dr. Banker Jr.

Dr. C. A. Banker, Jr. passed away on August 31, 2013 at Scott & White Hospital in Brenham, Texas. He was born on November 12, 1925, the eldest son of Charles August Banker, Sr. and Katy Hughes, and he grew up in Needville, Texas. After graduating from Boling High School, he entered Texas A&M College and went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the class of 1947 after serving in the United States Merchant Marines during World War II. On September 22, 1950 he married Jean Schroeder. They lived in Rosenberg, Texas where he owned and operated the Ft. Bend County Veterinary Clinic, and raised their four children, Bonnie, Terri, Charlie and Marc. Born and raised on a ranch in Ft. Bend County, C. A. was passionate about raising cattle and horses. He was a skilled horseman, competing as a young man in many local roping and cutting horse competitions. He also raised several successful racehorses over the years which he raced all over Texas, Louisiana, California, and New Mexico in the 1960''s, 70''s and 80''s. A lifelong member of the American Quarter Horse Association, he became an adviser to some of the top race horse breeders in the country. Dr. Banker was an excellent cattleman as well, and took great pride in cross breeding his cattle. Professionally, he was a longtime member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Texas Veterinary Medical Association, and was greatly respected throughout southeast Texas and beyond. He was straightforward, honest, generous, and completely unpretentious. He said what he meant, and meant what he said. In many ways he was the quintessential ''true'' Texan. After 30 years of successful veterinary practice, he moved to his ranch in Chappell Hill where he continued to practice until he retired. After retirement he enjoyed quality time with his family and grandchildren. He taught them the nuts and bolts of farm and ranch life, from finding the right tool for the job, to looking for stray calves, to trapping those pesky gophers. Many memorable experiences were had with their beloved "Apa". Dr. Banker is survived by his devoted wife, Jean; three children, Bonnie Banker of Dallas; Terri Lucas and husband, Ed of Elmhurst, Illinois; and Charles August Banker, III and wife, Rose of Houston; and three grandchildren Stevan Marc Banker, Faith Elisabeth Banker and Joshua Charles Banker, and three faithful dogs. He was preceded in death by his son, Marc Allan Banker, his parents, sister and brother. Jean and the family extend a special thank you to Dr. James Brown, John Brown, Eric Hemphill, Sr., Esteben Vega, Alex Vega, and Maria Zuniga for their support and encouragement during the last few months. A memorial service and celebration of Dr. Banker''s life will be held on Saturday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Brenham. Memorial Oaks Chapel is responsible for the arrangements. See www.memorialoakschapel.com for additional information and to extend condolences. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Animal Friends of Washington County at 3901 Hwy. 36 North, Brenham; First United Methodist Church at 408 N. Baylor St., Brenham; Hospice Brazos Valley at 302 E. Blue Bell Road, Brenham; or the charity of your choice. Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow" and others say, "Sorrow is the greater". But I say to you, they are inseparable – the deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. Kahlil Gibran – The Prophet