Richard E. Banks

Share

Richard E. Banks, age 83, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 10:21 A.M. on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at the Marigold Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Galesburg.

He was born on July 16, 1935 in the former Village of Randall (now East Galesburg), the son of Chester E. and Maude (Loman) Banks.  On January 8, 1955, Richard was married to Florence Heselden in Monmouth.  She preceded him in death.

Richard is survived by six children: Marsha (and Tim) Pedigo, Rick (and Kelly) Banks, Ginny (and Don) Kerr, Brad (and Querina) Banks, Jeanie Banks, Jerry Banks; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and one sister, Myrtle Potter.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and a daughter, Candice Banks.

Richard was a gentle soul and quick-witted, and enjoyed visiting with people over coffee, often at the Galesburg E. Main St. or Knoxville McDonalds.  Richard worked a variety of jobs in his career, including the sawmill and Purington Brickyard in East Galesburg.  He also drove semi-trucks for Rogers Bros. and other companies, both locally and on East coast runs, and he loved to talk about his truck driving days.  He served as a police officer and as a volunteer firefighter for East Galesburg.  Richard enjoyed fixing lawnmowers and growing pumpkins, and was a talented artist with a knack for drawing.  Perhaps most of all, Richard was known for being a king storyteller with a vivid imagination.  His larger-than-life stories always contained confirmable fact, but the details, whether or not true, never failed to entertain.  He created alter egos such as Western hero Johnny Wagonbox, and the Civil War battlefield surgeon Johnny Reb, whose skill and technique rivaled modern medicine.  In his latter days, Richard made many friends at the Marigold Nursing Home, and was able to take a “last ride” with the East Galesburg Fire Department and Knox County Sheriff’s Department.  Richard also loved to tell stories of his days of being a police officer and firefighter. 

Cremation rites will be accorded.  A graveside memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, June 7, 2019 at the Knoxville Cemetery in Knoxville, Illinois.  Memorial contributions may be made to the East Galesburg Fire Department.  Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.

Spread the word

Other Obituaries

Latest News Podcasts

Subscribe to our Community Newsletter

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Prairie Communications, 55 Public Square, Monmouth, IL, 61462, https://977wmoi.com/. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Choose a Category

Continue Reading

Richard H. Isherwood

Richard H. Isherwood, age 100, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 8:38 AM on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle, Illinois. He was born on May

Charles R. “Chuck” Fry

Charles R. “Chuck” Fry, 68, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family after a brave yearlong battle with cancer. Chuck

Mary L. Morlan

Mary L. Morlan, 92 of Galesburg, died at 11:40 p.m. Monday, March 25, 2024, at St. Mary’s Medical Center. She was born November 25, 1931, in Gilson, Illinois, the daughter

Tom Leon Sawyer Jr.

Tom Leon Sawyer Jr., 79, of Little Swan Lake passed away Saturday March 23, 2024, at 3:33p.m. at Seminary Manor in Galesburg. He was born Tuesday, September 26, 1944, in

Roger W. “Rog” Higbee

Roger W. “Rog” Higbee, age 70, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away at 11:05 AM on Monday, March 25, 2024 at his residence. He was born March 20, 1954 in Galesburg,