Arther Banks

Graveside services for Arther Lee Banks, 84, of Tyler will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Cathedral of the Pines Cemetery with Rev. Bryan Grant officiating under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Mr. Banks passed away at his home on Saturday, October 22, 2011. He was born on December 29, 1926 in Dardanelle, Arkansas to Val Merrit Banks and Norma Weems Banks. Mr. Banks left high school to enlist in the United States Navy during World War II. His ship was anchored in Tokyo Bay during the moment of the signing of the surrender of Japan. Upon returning home from World War II, he graduated from Dardanelle High School and attended Arkansas Tech University. Mr. Banks married the love of his life, Betty Tillman on June 17, 1951. Because of his job, he and his young family lived in many communities in Texas and New Mexico before settling down in Nacogdoches. Mr. Banks retired as a seismic research recorder from Texaco after thirty-four years. He and his wife moved back to their hometown of Dardanelle, Arkansas, where he enjoyed farming and ranching. He worked part-time as a rural mail carrier. They moved to Tyler in 1999 to be closer to family. He faithfully served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Dardanelle and Calvary Baptist Church in Nacogdoches. He was currently a member of Green Acres Baptist Church. Mr. Banks was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-four years, Betty Tillman Banks, his daughter, Myra Banks Ware, and his son, James Arthur Banks. He was also the last survivor of ten siblings. Mr. Banks is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Carol Lee and John Lee Ussery of Gladewater, his grandchildren, United States Army Captain, Alan Wood (currently serving in Afghanistan) and his wife Anne of Clarksville, Tennessee, Michael Lee Wood and his wife Danielle of Austin, Mackenzie Banks and Merritt Banks of Nacogdoches, and Katy Ware of Bellville, Texas. He is also survived by a great-grandson, Aiden Lee Ware of Bellville. The family is grateful for the special people in Mr. Banks life who helped take care of him. He especially considered Patty Cox and his “adopted daughter” Carol Dyck an important part of his family. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:30 PM Monday, October 24, 2011 at Stewart Family Funeral Home in Tyler. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Singles Ministry of Green Acres Baptist Church, 1607 Troup Hwy., Tyler, Texas 75701.

Arther Banks

December 29, 1926 - October 22, 2011