Donald D. Banks

Donald D. Banks, 78, of Fort Collins, Colo., passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 28, 2010, after a brave battle with cancer. He was born on June 19, 1932, in Hugo. Don graduated from high school in Durango, in 1951, and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in which he served four years. He attained the rank of Machinist Mate Second Class. He married Janet Oversteg in September 1954. They had three sons together, and were married for 33 years. Don enrolled at Colorado State University in September, 1955, and graduated in June, 1959 with a B.S. in Industrial Arts. Don was a dedicated teacher from 1959 until he retired in 1987. He worked the majority of those years as a woodshop instructor at Lesher Junior High School. He had a heart-filled passion for teaching woodshop and mentoring students. During his years of teaching, he also worked in Adult Education and taught Unarmed Self Defense. Law enforcement was a big part of his life and he spent time working in various positions in law enforcement from 1956 - 1974. Those positions included Deputy Sheriff, Boat Warden, Patrolman, and Sergeant-in-charge of CSU police, Special Services Unit. He married JoAnn McHugh on January 4th, 1989, and spent the past 21 years happily married. He has been a longtime member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Fort Collins. Don was extremely creative and talented in his crafts. He enjoyed woodworking, coincutting, silversmithing, leatherworking, and was active in 4-H. He ran a family business called Don Banks Originals. He also loved inventing, and holds four U.S. patents. Don is survived by his wife, JoAnn Banks of Fort Collins, her five sons and their families; son Jon Banks and wife of Albuquerque; son Kurt Banks of Ault; son Dirk Banks and wife of Loveland; first wife, Janet Banks of Fort Collins; and a combined total of 21 grandchildren. He will also be missed by many friends and neighbors, and the numerous lives he touched through his teaching. Memorial services will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 2000 Stover in Fort Collins. Cremation has been completed, and arrangements provided by Bohlender Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Ft. Collins, CO 80524 or to the Colorado State University scholarship endowment reserved for combat veterans. For more information on making a planned gift with Colorado State University contact Marianne Blackwell at 970 491-7862 or mblackwell@ua.colostate.edu or Bill Sheets at 970 491-4679 or bsheets@ua.colostate.edu .