John William Banks
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Funeral Services for John William Banks, 87, Topeka, Kansas, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Warren McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Kansas. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. He passed away Friday November 19, 2021 at the V.A. Hospital in Topeka, Kansas.
He was born in Lawrence, Kansas the son of John Neal and Luella Gray Banks on September 11, 1934. He grew up in rural Douglas County with two sisters Reta Banks and Betty Otto.
He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1952. He was a member of the FFA Club where he learned to care for and raise swine like his father before him.
He was drafted into the Army in 1959 where he served four years.
He met his wife Margaret Ann Decker on a blind date while on leave, and they married on September 11, 1960 in Lebanon, Mo. They were together for 51 years and lived in rural Douglas County where they raised four daughters. Debra, Diana, Mary and Sharon.
He was employed in the early 60’s by Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in Desoto, Kansas. Lawrence Fire Department, Fleetwood Trailers and Co-op. He began his career with K-mart Distribution Center in the early 70’s where he retired after 25 years as a forklift operator.
He made many friends on his journey in life and he did his best to keep in touch with them.
After retirement he and Margaret moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas where they lived for 4 years before returning to Osage City, Kansas to be near their children and grandchildren.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and gardening. But most of all he loved shopping for vehicles. He would take his girls out to help them pick out their new cars and would get such a kick out of watching them drive off in them.
He had a big heart and was always willing to help when he was needed. He loved all his girls and his grandchildren with all his heart.
He is survived by his Sister Reta Banks, Daughters – Diana Huseby, Mary Banks, Sharon Watson (Doug) Ten grandchildren – Amy Carlsten, Waylon Banks, Ashley Gonzalez, Nikki McMahon,Tyler Robinson, Cara Heath, Neal Huseby, Morgan Trusty, John Goldring, Ivy Woolsoncroft, and 17 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Banks, Sister Betty Otto, Daughter Debra Heath, grandson Nathan Hall, great grandson Cody Mcnish.
The family will greet friends from 5 to 7p.m. on Monday, November 29, 2021 at Warren McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to the Veterans Affairs and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
Our condolences.
From the family of James “Buddy” Banks of Lecompton,ks
My sincerest condolences to the family. I worked with John for many years at Kmart Distribution Center. Banksy, as he was called, was a great person who was always smiling and making you laugh. He will be missed. RIP Banksy.
RIP “Dad John” aka Big John Banks. Our families share a lifelong history but John and mom {Sue Shoemaker} shared so much fun, love, and laughter together in their final years. I will always be eternally grateful for that. I will never forget your chuckle, your humor and that oh so ornery grin. All my sincere love and condolences.
So sorry for your loss! Sending hugs from our family to yours!
Bob & Betty Robbins
Sorry to hear of your loss. We go back quite aa ways with both John and Margaret. They were both great people. We enjoyed many times with them.
So sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family.