Obituary: Edward “Banko” “Sarge” Eugene Banks

Edward “Banko” “Sarge” Eugene Banks

Edward “Banko” “Sarge” Eugene Banks, was born on August 2, 1951, in Hinton, WV. He passed away on May 13, 2024, in Charlotte, NC, after a six-month courageous battle with cancer.

Banko was the youngest son of his loving parents, Laura Fralin and Edward Sire. He was one of seven siblings. He was proceeded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Earl Banks and Donald Banks. He leaves behind his loving sisters, Gwendolyn Fullen of Hardy, VA, Glenna Jo Oliver of Tuxtla, Mexico, Judy Weber of August, GA, and Janice Banks of Dunbar, WV.

Banko completed his high school education at Hinton High School in 1969. During his high school years, he helped lead the Hinton Bobcats to the State Football Championship. His accomplishments have been noted and recognized by the Hinton community. This is when he became an avid football fan. Soon after graduation, he entered the Air Force. While in the Air Force, he traveled to and fought in the Vietnam War. After coming home, he immersed himself in higher education. Banko did not stop attending college until his early 50s. He was a firm believer that education is the key to success. Over the years, he earned several degrees and certifications important for his profession.

He worked for Brumley South as an engineering assistant with the same team members for over 20 years. At 72 years young, Banko never stopped working until the final six months of his illness. His co-workers became like family to him and supported him until his final days.

He was a devoted, loving, and doting father to his one and only beloved daughter, Laura “Tori” Banks-Jackson. He considered her his greatest accomplishment and loved to have dinner at her house on Sundays and to spend holidays with her and her family. She made sure he lived an active life and traveled until the end. He had recently traveled to South Africa with Tori; her family; and his dear sister, Jo. It was the trip of a lifetime.

He was known for attending all family events and encouraged his family members to stay close. He also had great pride and joy for his grandsons, Edward, Latrell, Jordan, and Isiah, and their many accomplishments, including higher education and military service to their country. As a granddad, he missed no opportunity to instill in his grandsons the importance of education and life lessons - to include home repairs, yard work, working on cars, and especially working with electronics.

In true Banko fashion, he took his own notes and made his own rules. He far outlived the prognosis of his physicians due to his sheer will and strength. With the constant and dedicated care of his daughter, Tori, and sister, Jo, Banko’s final days were full of love and laughter. They trusted no one’s judgment when it came to his care. They honored his wishes until the very end and allowed him to stay at his home, which he owned for over 30 years. He will forever be missed.

Edward Banks is survived by his beloved daughter, Laura “Tori” Banks-Jackson (Levar); his grandchildren, Edward, Latrell, Jordan, and Isiah; and his sisters. He is also survived by his special niece, Gwendolyn “Ann” Austin (Scott); nephew, Erick Oliver (Nabila); stepdaughters, Heather Lewis and Shelly Lester, whom he loved like his own; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A special thank you to all the staff at Atrium Health Hospital.

“Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Submitted by Pivont Funeral Home, Hinton, WV.

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