Kent Herbert Bankson, 80, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at Bryan Medical Center East after a short but courageous fight with cancer.

Born on January 30, 1945, in Aurora, Kent was the oldest of four children raised on the family farm. He graduated with the Hordville High School Class of 1963 and went on to attend Midland Lutheran College and later the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Kent built his career as a clerk with the State of Nebraska Administrative Services Department near the State Capitol. He also held several jobs that reflected his love of sports and people: taking tickets at Memorial Stadium on Husker football Saturdays, working at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, and umpiring Legion baseball games in Lincoln. He was honored as the Semi-Pro Umpire of the Year in 1983. Before retiring, Kent also worked at Super Saver on 48th and O Street.

Faith was an important part of Kent’s life. Baptized and confirmed at Fridhem Lutheran Church in Hordville, he later became a member of the Methodist Church in Lincoln. He loved singing in church choirs and never missed a chance to celebrate a friend or family member’s birthday with a song.

Kent had a lifelong passion for sports, especially cheering on his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers. He treasured attending professional baseball games and making memories on trips with his wife. In later years, Kent and Sara enjoyed traveling together across the country creating memories they cherished deeply.

It was at the Malone Center in Lincoln that Kent met the love of his life, Sara. They married on Christmas Day in 2011, and together they built a life of love and friendship.
Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Doris Bankson, and his son, Scott Bankson. 

He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Sara; his son Allen (Penne) Bankson of Gretna; his brother Doyle (Rita) Bankson of Hastings; his sisters Allerita (Jim) Gerloff of Ayr and Karol Bankson of Marquette; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of Kent’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on September 27 at Fridhem Lutheran Church in Hordville. The service will be live-streamed on Solt-Wagner Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will follow at Fridhem Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Fridhem Lutheran Church.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.

Source: https://www.auroranewsregister.com/obituaries/kent-bankson