Robert Jay Banks went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at home among family. He was born in Allegan, MI September 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, Linda (Don) Helf of Pioneer, OH, and son Daniel (Nancy) of Hudsonville, MI.
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 proceeded 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 3 great-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 12:00 noon until 1:00 PM at which time a funeral service will begin. Committal with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Monday, August 20, 2018 at 12:00 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.
Visitation Details
Thursday, August 16th, 2018 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel
Service Information
Thursday, August 16th, 2018 1:00pm, Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel
Interment Details
Monday, August 20th, 2018 12:00pm, Fort Custer National Cemetery