Larry G. Banks

Larry Gene Banks Sr., age 67, was able to spend his Thanksgiving sitting at the Lord's Table rejoicing in heaven. God gave him the best Thanksgiving that anyone could ask for. Larry, resident of Mansfield, died Thursday morning, November 24, 2016 at Ohio Health Hospital Mansfield. 

Born December 17, 1948 in Shelby, he had been a Shelby area resident the majority of his life. Mr. Banks was a former employee of the Empire Detroit Steel Co., auctioneer, and was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps serving in Vietnam. Anyone who was close to Larry was proud of him and his service. He was a Purple Heart recipient. 

Larry's family and close friends all agree that he was the kindest person that we have all known. He would always make sure you left his and his wife's home with happiness and a full stomach. He would give his own shirt off his back if we needed it. He was often labeled as a jokester and was known to be a little mischievous, but always knew what to say to make you laugh. Larry was even better known for the love he had for his wife of 45 years, Linda Banks. Larry and Linda were always seen hand-in-hand, and had an infectious love so deep that it filled up the room. He always let Linda know how much he appreciated her and loved her. His love for her made everyone feel so warm.

Spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren made him the happiest. Dinners and family gatherings were always his favorite times. Spending time with his loved ones always gave him a smile on his face. His last days on this Earth were spent holding hands of each and every one of those loved ones who made him smile. 

Survivors include his wife Linda (Gibson) Banks, one son, Larry Banks Jr.; two daughters and son-in-law, Peggy Banks and Nikki & Mike Ruhl; eleven grandchildren, Jake Banks, Luke Banks, Wyatt Banks, Coe Banks, Rachel Bilka, Macy Banks, Tyler Bilka, Cindy Voss, Cassie Voss, Ashley Ruhl and Weston Ruhl; one brother and sister-in-law, William & Tammy Staton; onesister and brother-in-law, Marsha & Rick Randall; and one very special aunt, Nola Faye Walton; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

As said in the poem God's Garden, "It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home." Everyone who knew and loved Larry Banks feels this way, and we know he is rejoicing in heaven with his mother, Mary Ann Banks; father, William “Coonie" Staton; grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We will dearly miss him forever. 

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory. Rev. Gary Adkins will officiate with interment held in Oakland Cemetery, where the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad will honor Larry for his service to our country. 

Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial expressions may be made to  the family.

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