CPT (Ret) Don Banks

Capt. Don Banks, USMC (Ret) of Waynesville, Missouri passed from this earth on July 12, 2011. He was 79. He was residing at the Rolla Manor Care Center while he was battling cancer. Don Banks was born on January 22, 1932 in Fairfield, Connecticut. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dixie Lee, from Hooker, Missouri; three sons: William, his wife Lora, their children Cody and Leslie, and grandson Anthony; son Christopher, his wife Denise and their children, Christopher, Jr. and Nicole; son Michael and his wife Laura and their children, Ashley, Sydney and Matthew. Don is the oldest of nine children of William and Theresa Banks who have preceded him in death as well as one sister. He leaves behind two brothers, five sisters, several nieces and nephews who also mourn his passing. Captain Don Banks enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1950. He is a Korean War and Vietnam veterans receiving several medals to include the Navy Achievement Medal with V-device and the Combat Action Badge. He worked his way through the enlisted ranks attaining the rank of Master Sergeant and received a commission while serving with valor and distinction on his tour in Vietnam. “There is no honor greater than to be called ‘Mustang’. You have long epitomized the warrior virtues of courage, devotion to duty, sacrifice, and imaginative leadership.” He retired in 1970 after 20 years of dedicated service having attained the rank of Captain. After retirement from the military he worked a short term for AAFES and then locally for Miller Insurance and Realty, retiring once again from Bassett Insurance of St. Robert, Missouri. He leaves many friends and family that will miss him dearly. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2011 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Chaplain (CPT) Douglas Kay officiating. The songs “Somebody Touched Me”, “Operator (Royal Telephone)” and “He Touched Me” were played. Serving as escorts were William, Christopher, Michael, and Cody Banks, Christopher Banks, Jr, and Bill, Bobby and Jerry Miller. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Ft. Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Marines of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Don Banks and may be left at the funeral home.

CPT (Ret) Don Banks

January 22, 1932 - July 12, 2011