Obituary

Kenneth Randall Bankston

March 12, 1954 - July 23, 2025

Kenneth Randall Bankston, age 71 and a resident of the Canaan Community, passed away Wednesday afternoon July 23, 2025 at University Medical Center in New Orleans. He was born in Amite on March 12, 1954 and later graduated from Valley Forge High School. Randall was retired after an 18 year career as a lighting technician and salesman. He played the guitar and always loved gathering with friends and family to play country and gospel music, especially at Mile Branch Settlement during the Washington Parish Fair every year. Earlier in life, he and his wife performed gospel music, traveling to area churches and other events for a few years. Randall loved bass fishing and spending time in the outdoors. He often took his family on camping trips to Percy Quin and other vacation spots, where they would launch his boat and teach his children how to fish. He was a member of bass-fishing clubs and competed in several fishing tournaments through the years. Randall even had a Coy fish pond at his home and he loved watching the many birds, especially red birds, that visited his property each day. He was a member of Canaan Baptist Church and strongly believed in having his family involved in church services and activities. Randall loved eating his favorite ice cream and spending time with his family and beloved grandchildren. He had a special place in his heart for his pet dog “Lulu”.

Survived by: Wife of 50 years: Lynn Pierce Bankston of Canaan; 2 Sons and Daughters in law: Kevin and Jennifer Bankston of Sulphur Springs, TX, Keith and Michelle Bankston of Fort Walton Beach, FL; Daughter and Son in law: Brittney and Tylan Self of Thomas; 12 Grandchildren: Beau, Laney, Lilly, Luke, Jonah, Belle, Arleigh, Cort, Hezekiah, Judah, Kohl, Hayes; Brothers and a Sister in law: Michael and Carolyn Bankston of Tickfaw, Phil Bankston of Wilmer; Sister: Wanda B. Benton of Tickfaw; Sisters in law and a Brother in law: Amy and Gerald Wall of Gillsburg, MS, Vondell Pierce of Franklinton; Aunt: Brenda Bankston of Wilmer; Special Friends: Rodney and Virginia Varnado; Also numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many dear friends

He was preceded in death by an infant child, grandson Jett Carson Self, parents Rev. Harold Bankston and Wanda Cloice Seal Bankston, father in law and mother in law J.C. and Doris Pierce, sister in law and brother in law Gail and Jimmy McMorris, brothers in law Jim Pierce, Earnie Pierce, sisters in law Kathy Pierce-Martin, Myra Pierce, special friend Rev. Pete Williams and other family members.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Saturday July 26th from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm Saturday with Rev. Troy Varnado, Rev. David Easterling and Beau Bankston officiating. Burial will follow in the Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Beau Bankston, Luke Bankston, Jonah Bankston, Cort Self, Tylan Self, Matthew Cox