Wayne William Banks

Wayne William Banks, 78, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, February 15, 2021.

A memorial service to celebrate Wayne's life will be held at a later date.

Wayne was born in Marion County, Alabama on December 5, 1942, to Waymon and Margaret Banks.  He grew up in Lampasas, Texas, and graduated from Lampasas High School in 1960.  After graduation, Wayne joined the United States Air Force where he served with distinction as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist in Vandenberg, California.  After serving his country, he entered Texas A&M University in College Station and graduated in 1974; he took great pride in being a "life-long Aggie".

Wayne traveled extensively for work with Farmers Home Administration.  He also found success as a columnist, a restaurateur, and as a management executive.  After retiring in 2013, Wayne found it impossible to sit still.  He went back to work for the Lampasas ISD as  Bus Monitor and loved being around "his kids".

A lifelong learner, Wayne was a voracious reader, and he researched and wrote on a plethora of subjects.  Those who knew him always referred to him as the "smartest person they knew".  Additionally, Wayne was a passionate storyteller and could add anecdotal information to any conversation.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Suzann Wolfe, and her husband, William; his son, Waymon Banks and his wife, Ashley; and his daughter, Lindzey Banks.  He is also survived by his siblings, Trinka Perry, Margie Hamrick, Audra Lagesse, Eddy Banks, and his wife, Mayella, and John Banks and his wife, Loni.

He was also blessed with grandchildren, Emily, Shelby, and Ethan Wolfe, and Adalyn, Elliott, Ramsey, and Jasper Banks.  In addition, he had several nieces and nephews: Henry and Michael Perry, Wes Hamrick, Janice and Kelly Lagesse, Jamey Stephenson, Jim Banks, Brandi Hussey, and Brad Banks, and numerous great-nieces and nephews. 

"Those we love don't go away

They walk beside us every day,

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed and very dear."

-Unknown Irish Poet.