Wes Banks, 72 of St Petersburg, FL funeral service is 1:30 PM, Monday, October 6, 2014 at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, FL 33744 with Father Robert Swick and full military honors at the conclusion of the service by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.
Wes passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Northside Hospital with his family at his bedside. He was born at Mound Park Hospital in St Petersburg, FL. He took great pride in being a native of St. Petersburg where he made many lifelong friends. He graduated in 1960 from St Petersburg High School. He then served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965 as a load master on C-130 during the Vietnam War. While in the service, he met Barbara Heckwolf, who would become his wife of 50 years. They were married at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Nashville, TN.
After his service to our country, he was Vice-President and Purchasing Agent at Banks Supply Company for over 25 years. He later established Banks Manufactures’ Warehouse with his three sons where he worked the next 17 years until his retirement in 2012.
Wes was an avid fan of both the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His love of baseball was resonated to all three of his sons. He served the community in many capacities including Azalea Little League for 20 years as a coach and board member and also the Azalea Bulldogs Organization.
He is preceded in death by his father, J.Ralph Banks and his mother, Mary Elizabeth Banks. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Banks; his sons, Chris (Nancy), Doug (Michelle) and Steve Banks, all of St Petersburg; four grandchildren: Kennedy, Bailey, Sadie Banks and Brandon (Lindsey) Diaz and one great grandchild, Ella Diaz. Wes is also survived by a sister, Mary Lee Batchelor (Dick) of New Port Richey, FL and two brothers, Charles (Judy) and Robert (Barbara) Banks, all of St. Petersburg.
There will be a gathering following the service at 3 Daughters Brewing Company (formerly Banks Supply).
The family requests, that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to PARC in the memory of Wes Banks.
Please sign the guest book below.
Veterans Funeral Care 727-524-9202
Wes Gary and I love you more than could possibly know. You were the best brother in law anyone would ever want….thank you for loving my sister like you did and being such a great Father to the boys….you were always there whenever any us ever needed you, you had a heart of gold! we miss you like crazy.
you are in our hearts and prayers everyday.
LOVE YOU
Gary & Pat Campbell
A wonderful cousin and family man
Barbara,Chris,Doug,Steve,and the Family. Rick and I want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers,and if anyone of you need us, please please call. Again so so sorry for your loss. Love to all, Susan and Rick
Our deepest sympathies.
Doug, Chris, and Steve
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your dad. I am certain he will live on in the memories that you and all the family cherish
-Jeff
Barbara and Family,
My heart is with you all at this sad time, please accept my sincerest condolences.
Eileen Dardis
WE LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR SO SO MANY YEARS! GOOD FRIENDS FOR 45 YEARS ARE HARD TO FIND!!! You have all had a special place in our hearts and our families lives. If Wes and the boys were at any kind of baseball or football game or practice —Barbara was always there also! It was always “party of five” while the boys were growing up. Now their family has grown and that gives all of us more “super people” to love. LOVE AND PRAYERS TO ALL OF YOU! WE ARE HERE!!!
Condolences to the entire Banks family from one of Wes’ classmates at St. Pete High. I am so sorry for your loss . Sally
Dear Barbara and family, We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Many prayers for you and family.
God bless, love, francis and roger
Wesley & I grew up across the street from each other on 4th Avenue North! We graduated from SPHS and lost touch; but, I will always remember the fun times of our youth with Charlie, Wesley, Robert, and my brother, Joe!
With love, prayers and sympathy to you all!
Sharon & Mike Torres
Wesley was always kind and gentle. I have known him since kindergarten at West Central Elementary. Rest in peace, Wesley.
So sorry for your loss–Wes was a great guy and I know you are an extremely close family and have alot of love for each other! Paula and I send our deepest regards and love to each of you. Barbara, Chris, Doug, and Steve, you are in our every thought and prayers!
Barbara and family, Gary and I love youll so very much. Wes you were a wonderful husband to Barbara, and a terrific father to the boys I know you loved your family so very much. Gary and I have some wonderful memories of our times together. You will always be in our hearts and we will always take good care of Barbara. We miss you and love you. Paula and Gary
Barbara and family, Gary and I love youll so very much. Wes you were a wonderful husband to Barbara, and a terrific father to the boys I know you loved your family so very much. Gary and I have some wonderful memories of our times together. You will always be in our hearts and we will always take good care of Barbara. We miss you and love you. Paula and Gary
I worked at Banks Supply during my college years and definitely felt like a part of the Banks family. Wes taught me many valuable business skills that I use every day. His leadership, mentoring and support are traits that I will remember the most about him. Along, with his wonderful family I am blessed to have known him and been a small part of his life. He certainly was a big part of mine. Please accept our sympathies and heartfelt condolences.
Mike Block and family, Inga, Katherine and Erik
I remember Wes from Grade School on and so enjoyed seeing him at the reunions. I will miss this old friend so much.
Mrs. Banks and Family- We were so sad to hear Mr. Banks had passed. I wish we had words that would ease the pain you must feel. Although, he is no longer physically here, he will always live in our hearts. Love, Susan & McKenzie.
Banks Family,
Thanks so much for providing the friendship, opportunities and leadership over the years.
Gail and wish to express our regret and compassion over the loss of Wes, a true friend.
A writer by the name of Henri Amiel says it best; “It is not what he has, nor even what he does, which directly expresses the worth of a man,but what he is”.
This applies not only to Wes but to the Banks Family as a whole.
Larry and Gail Brosious
Barbara and family,
We are so sad to hear that Wes has passed. He meant a lot to so many people and was a great example of the kind of life a good man should live. Our deepest sympathy. The Cottle family.
Barbara and family,
We are so sad to hear that Wes has passed. He meant a lot to so many people and was a great example of the kind of life a good man should live. Our deepest sympathy. The Cottle family.
We are family, however, have never met. Please know that we are so sorry for your loss and will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I knew Wes at SPHS. I remember him as a kind and courteous man. Deep condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Wes.
We are so sorry for your loss. May all your happy family memories give you comfort.
Went to school with Wes for several years and we were friends. Unfortunately, as happens too many times, we went our separate ways after graduation. Our condolences to his family. I know he will be misses.
Donna (Burdick) and Scott (class of 61) Theiss