GROVE, Okla. — Robert Lee Banks, age 79, Grove, Okla., passed away Saturday April 6, 2019, at Landmark Hospital, Joplin, Mo. He was born May 17, 1939, in El Dorado Kan. to the Late Robert Lincoln Banks and Marie (Osborn) Banks.
Robert worked in avionics for Beech Aircraft in Wichita, Kan. Robert retired and moved from El Dorado to Grove in 2005. He was a member of the Mystic Tie Lodge #74 in Augusta, Kan. Robert was a member of the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Grove, Okla.
Robert married Norma Jean Pfeifer on June 7, 1958, in Great Bend, Kan., she preceded him in death on Jan. 13, 2017. He was also preceded by a granddaughter, Alycia Marie (Banks) Decker.
Robert and Norma were married 59 years. Though, Robert was an only child he grew up around many cousins. His hobbies included hunting, fishing working with the Shrine. He and Norma spent many years on the farm gardening traveling and raising children.
His children include two sons and two daughters. Sons Scott Banks and wife Judy, of El Dorado Kan.; Jeff Banks and wife Becky of Towanda Kan.; two daughters Lisa Haines and husband Scott of El Dorado Kan. and Shelly Banks of Andover Kan. He was also blessed with nine grandchildren. One granddaughter preceding him, Alycia (Banks) Decker. Surviving grandchildren, Holly (Haines) Bright, Jason, Heidi (Haines) Rose, Jeremy, Whitney (Banks) Belford, Chris, Jeffrey Banks, Megan, Ryan Holem, Hannah (Holem) Cave, Jeremy, Courtney (Banks) Clark, Aaron, Preston Banks, Katrina.
Robert and Norma were also blessed with 13 great grandchildren. Bradyn Rose, Baleigh Bright, Leigh Decker, Landon Bright, Avery Rose, Owen Bright, Wyatt Decker, Braylen Belford, Kira Banks, Mason Belford, Harper Rose, Rory Clark and Aria Banks.
A Memorial Mass will be held on May 18, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist’s Catholic Church, 302 N. Denver, El Dorado KS 67042. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to St. John the Evangelist’s Catholic Church in El Dorado, Kan. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove Okla.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 14, 2019
