Robert Jay Banks, 93, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, at home among family. He was born in Allegan on Sept. 15, 1924, to Floyd and Ethelyn Banks.
A dedicated husband and father, Robert loved his family. He married Joyce Dornan on May 7, 1946. They celebrated 72 years of marriage in May of 2018.
Together Robert and Joyce raised three children—daughters, Janis DeHaan of Allegan and Linda (Don) Helf of Pioneer, Ohio, and son Daniel (Nancy) of Hudsonville.
Robert was a World War II Army veteran, stationed at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Forces in Europe and served with great pride under General Dwight D. Eisenhower. After being honorably discharged, Robert retired from Rockwell International, and later worked as an apartment manager. He finished his career working part time at Ace Hardware of Allegan.
In life, Robert enjoyed time with his grandchildren, watching Detroit Tiger’s baseball, and completing challenging jigsaw puzzles. He was committed to honoring veterans, participating in the Allegan Memorial Day Parade until the year he passed.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brother Harold’ granddaughter Denise Marie DeHaan; great-granddaughter Devon Brooke Ryba; and son-in-law Rod DeHaan.
He is survived by his grandchildren, Jason and Kristin Hileski, Dan and Brittany DeHaan, Florin Helf, Dan and Kendall Banks, and Jonathon Banks. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Thursday, Aug. 16, from 12 noon until 1 p.m. at which time a funeral service will begin. Committal with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Monday, Aug. 20, at 12 noon.
Robert’s family asks that donations be made in his name to the Hands of Grace Food Pantry of Allegan. They thank you for your prayers and support.
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