Donald Bankes

Donald John Bankes, 88, of Chambersburg, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 with members of his family present. He was born on January 24, 1924 in Mt. Pleasant Mills, PA to the late Cryder H. Bankes Sr. and Ellen J Pugh. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean A. (Dawson) Bankes, whom he married on March 2, 1947 at the Espy United Brethren Church in Bloomsburg, PA.

They have four children: daughter, Sue C. and her husband, Garold L. Shaffer of Titusville, PA; son Rodney J. Bankes and wife, Patricia of Kennett Square, PA; son, Randy S. Bankes and his wife, Lu B. of Greencastle, PA; and daughter Melanie D. and her husband, Jay H. Bogle of Chambersburg; 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter. He is also survived by 4 siblings, Cryder H. Bankes Jr. of Orangeville, PA, Mildred G. Carbine of Beltsville, MD; Royce R. Bankes of Rochester, NY; and Eldon L. Bankes of Ocala, FL.

Donald was a World War II veteran, where he served as a SSG With the 83rd Infantry Division. He participated in all five major campaigns in the European Theater of Operations following D-Day. He was awarded the following medals: Good Conduct, American Theater, EAME Theater with 5 stars (Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe) and the WWII Victory Medal. At an early age, he learned the printing business from his father. He continued working in several printing positions in Towanda, Danville, Milton, and Corry, Pennsylvania. He obtained various teaching certificates from the Pennsylvania State University. Donald taught Graphic Arts and worked in the Cooperative Education Department at the Franklin County Area Vocation-Technical School, where he placed graduating seniors in jobs. After retiring in 1992, he taught high school students at Faith Valley Christian School.

He became an ordained minister in 1964 with Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches and Ministers International. Not only did he minister in several churches, he had the privilege of marrying a brother, a daughter and a granddaughter. He enjoyed studying God’s Word and sharing it with others. Donald and his wife, Jean, traveled extensively including seven trips to Israel, two trips to Kenya, trips to Mexico, Jamaica and throughout Europe including visiting Germany at the time the Berlin Wall came down. Many of the trips included mission work.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 4, 2012 in the chapel of the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, with Rev. Ky C. Searcy, Pastor of Congregational Life, from the Antrim Brethren in Christ officiating. Interment will follow in Parklawns Memorial Gardens, where members of the Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post 1599 Honor Guard will conduct military graveside honors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7-8 PM Thursday and one hour prior to services on Friday. In lieu of flowers, Please make contributions to the Christian Motorcyclists Assn. PO Box 9, 4278 Hwy 71 South, Hatfield, AR 71946 for the Gloryland Riders # 583 Run for the Son.