Don L. Banks

Grandpa Don has gone to have conversations at the breakfast table with loved ones that have already moved on. He died peacefully at his home. One of his real talents was to just listen to people. He had many friends that had no one else to talk to, but Grandpa Don made the time.

Don was born in Palmyra, Utah to Arthur and Tora Banks. He is survived by his loving wife Marie and her family, his sister Alene Gerber and his brother Bernell. He is preceded in death by sisters Tora and Myrle and brothers Keith and Elmer. He has six children, Donita, Bob (Carleen), Loralee (Dennis), Ray (Kathy), Paul (deceased), Darin (Sandy) and two step children, Jocine and Kyle (Angie). He was also preceded to the other side by three previous wives; Shirley Lake, Joan, and Donna.

When Don was seven, he came down with pneumonia, which meant time in the hospital, a wonderful fire truck with a siren, which he ran up and down the hospital halls, and a long recovery re-learning how to walk.

As a young man he loved to sing. He was so proud of the fact that he was chosen to be the lead in his high school opera. He had a beautiful voice. He took voice lessons with Alene. He won a singing contest in Utah County. He went to Salt Lake for the same contest and was able to sing over the radio.

He loved to go hunting and fishing. He could sit patiently in a quiet boat or go crashing down the mountain in the hunt. He loved to garden, which he did well. It gave him recognition.

Don served as a temple worker in the Jordan River Temple. Seven months after their marriage, Don and Marie served in the Alabama Birmingham mission. They were called by the mission president to be trained on Family History. They spent much time teaching members of the Church and those not in the Church how to locate information about their ancestors.

Don is a grandpa and a great grandpa to many. To them he was always Grandpa Don. When he came to visit the kids would jump up to greet him. There were a lot of smiles.

Huge thanks to Marie, who has taken such diligent care of Don the last couple of years as his health failed. He had such joy with his two dogs Sheena and Sharee.

A viewing will be held, March 4 from 6-8 p.m. at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S 2300 E. Graveside services and internment will be March 5 at 3 p.m.at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 Highland Dr.