William Melvin Banes, 20 Jul 1924 - 11 Dec 2022

BANES, THOMAS, VAN FLEET, WESTFALL, FOLKEDAHL, KRUSE, STEWART, O’ROURKE, CLUBB

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 12/22/2022 at 15:33:51

William Melvin Banes was born July 20, 1924 near North English Iowa, the son of Vernon Jackson & Lulu (Thomas) Banes. He grew up in the North English and White Pigeon area and attended Webster High School. On December 13, 1942, Bill was united in marriage to Louise Faye Van Fleet in South English. They farmed in the White Pigeon community, before moving into North English in 1978.

Bill was a member of the North English United Methodist Church. He enjoyed farming, dancing, traveling and taking bus trips with Louise, playing darts, cards and games. Bill died on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at the Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo, at the age of 98 years.

He is survived by his children Karen (Harley) Westfall of Riverside, Ronald (Barbara) Banes of North English, Jeffrey (Lori) Banes of Williamsburg and Kevin (Shari) Banes of North English; twelve grandchildren: Tracy (Brad) Folkedahl, Cindy (Joe) Kruse, Steven (Annie) Banes, Brad (Kris) Westfall, Deb (Eric) Stewart, Rod (Phyllis) Westfall, Jess (Greg) O’Rourke, Amanda (Travis) Clubb, Darin Banes, Beth Banes, Alex (Paige) Banes and Cole Banes; twenty six great grandchildren; ten great, great grandchildren and a brother John (Francine) Banes of Fairfax.

He was preceded by his parents and his wife.

A private family service will be held, at a later date. Burial will be in the North English Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the North English Fire Department. Powell Funeral Home in North English is caring for Bill and his family. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

Published in The Gazette on December 13, 2022 and in The Hometown Current on December 21, 2022.