ISHMAEL BANKS

Ishmael Banks, age 61, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away at 7:49 a.m. Friday, July 6, 2012 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Born February 28, 1951 in Owensville, KY, he was the son of James Chester and Coy M. (Johnson) Banks.

He served and was honorably discharged from the United States Army. On April 6, 1973 he married Linda Erwin in Churubusco. For 27 years he installed glass.He was a member of Columbia City Masonic Lodge F. & A.M. #189, where he served as Worshipful Master.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Linda Banks of Fort Wayne; daughter, Heather Leyva of Fort Wayne; son, Timothy Banks of Fort Wayne; grandson, Evan Leyva of Fort Wayne; brothers, Carl (Pat) Banks of Versailles, KY, Michael (Marsha) Banks, Gary (Tammy) Banks and Edward (Dee) Banks, all of Columbia City; sisters, Virginia (Walter, Jr.) Allard, Marie Banks, Freda Shepherd and Harriet (Jim) Brown, all of Columbia City; brother-in-law, Otis Williams of Warsaw; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Linda Sue Banks and Bessie Williams.

Visitation is Monday, July 9, 2012 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. with a twilight Masonic service at 7:30 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Eggold officiating.Burial will follow with graveside military honors at Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Banks to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.