John Clinton Bankston

Left and Right: John circa, 1987


Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance

Missing Since: July 13, 1987

Missing From: Comfort, Kendall County, Texas

Classification: Lost, Injured Missing

Date Of Birth: January 24, 1970

Age: 17 years old

Height and Weight: 6’1″ and 210 pounds

Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian Male, Brown hair, Hazel eyes

NCMEC Number: 716959


Details of Disappearance

John was last seen on July 13th 1987 in Comfort, Texas. He was traveling on a bus with various other teenagers. They were leaving a hill country camp known as the “Pot “O Gold Ranch”. The visit was sponsored by the Seagoville Road Baptist Church which all the teenagers were a part of.

The bus and a van were engulfed by the Guadalupe River. John and his best friend, Michael “Mike” Lane, helped many people to safety from the accident. Witnesses last saw John going underwater after he helped a boy with a leg cast onto a tree. He was never seen or heard from again.

A total of 10 teenagers were killed in the accident and all of the teenagers killed which included Mike were found deceased in the aftermath of the accident. A memorial service was held for all of the deceased teenagers. An empty casket funeral was held for John.

Johns body was never found. He is presumed to be deceased and continues to be listed as a missing person.


Investigating Agency

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678


Source Information

NamUs

Find a Grave

The News Herald 07/20/1987

The Marion Star 07/20/1987

Argus Leader 07/26/1987

Quad-City Times 07/20/1987