Merle D. Banks, Galesburg Chapel
72, of Galesburg, Ill. passed away Friday, March 11, 2011.
He was a loving husband and best friend to Sandra for 45 years, devoted father to Bonnie (Hagist), Betsy (Banks-George), Beth Banks and Bridget (Stensaas) and proud grandfather of five grandsons and one granddaughter.
Merle was born July 18, 1938 in Galesburg to Milo E. and Helena M. Banks. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1956 and Iowa State University in 1961 where he studied architectural engineering and interior design. In 1965, he married Sandra Kay Thrailkill at Faith United Methodist Church in Galesburg.
Merle worked for the city of Galesburg from 1959 till 1969, first as an intern and later as Assistant City Engineer. From 1969 till 1985 he was employed by Simpson Powelson Lumber Company in Galesburg as structural designer. In 1985, he started Merle Banks Designs, where he designed and consulted on private and commercial structures across the United States, working till the present. He was a member of the American Society of Designers and an active member in the Galesburg Civic Art Center.
He was preceded in death by his father Milo E. Banks (1998), mother Helena M. Banks (2003), and brother Leslie E. Banks (2009).
A kind and generous man with a great sense of humor - he will be missed by the many he befriended.
A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at Faith United Methodist Church. Rev. James Ecklund will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Private family burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Discovery Depot or Prairieland Animal Welfare Center. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.