Retired Captain Charles M. Banks Sr. (U.S. Marine Corps), passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Charles was a native of Lima, Ohio, and was born on August 19, 1938, one of six children born to the late William Munroe Banks Sr. of St. Mary’s, Ohio, and Ozzie neé Harris formerly of Canton, Mississippi.
After graduating from Lima Senior High School, Charles enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served his country proudly and honorably for over twenty years. As a result of his meritorious service, he earned the: Navy Achievement Medal w/”V”; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Good Conduct Medal w/2; Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/2; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross Color with Palm and Frame; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Color with Palm and Frame; and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device.
Following his term of service, he worked at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Williamsburg, Virginia until his retirement.
Charles was preceded in death by his first wife Alberta Lewis Banks; and siblings, William Banks Sr., Alvin Banks, Richard Banks, and Pauline Banks.
Charles will forever be remembered for his straightforwardness and candor.
His memories will forever be cherished by his wife of forty-four years, Eleanor Roberts Anderson Banks; sons, Charles Banks Jr. (Selena), Mark Banks (Tracy), Alvin Banks (Latifah), and Darren Banks; brother, Noel Banks of Ohio; brother-in-law, David Walker Jr.; stepchildren; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and friends.
A funeral service with full military honors will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023, at St. John Baptist Church-Williamsburg. Interment, at a later date, will be at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Ret. Capt. Banks may be viewed on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
