John D. Banks, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather was welcomed home to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, January 8, 2011. John was born February 3, 1925 the day after Groundhog's Day in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. John graduated from Mahanoy City High School in 1942 and entered the U.S. Navy soon after in 1943. On November 10, 1944, while on leave, he married the love of his life, Grace Beidleman. On August 22, 1947 he was honorably discharged from the Navy. John and Grace then moved to Dundock, Maryland where John worked in the steel mills as a pipefitter's apprentice. It was there that John and Grace began a family. In 1952, John moved to Richland to work at the Hanford site as a pipefitter and was soon followed by Grace and the rest of the family. After a long career, John retired in 1987 as a Building and Utilities Maintenance Group Manager. Aside from his commitment to his career, John was a very dynamic member of the Columbia Basin community. John and Grace joined Kennewick First Lutheran Church in March of 1959 where they both were active lifelong members. He also belonged to several fraternal organizations and enthusiastically volunteered his time to Kennewick Little League and Kennewick Grid Kids. John also loved to root for the underdog, as he was a devoted Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners fan. Most importantly however, John was a modest man of strong character and centered his life around his devotion to God, country, and family. His work ethic was unchallenged and he always strived to treat people fairly and with respect. John was loved by many and respected by all. He is survived by his sister, Edna Bill Haverty of Wilmington, South Carolina; son, Greg Linda Banks of Kennewick; daughters, Susie Jim Bowers of Kennewick, Carol Banks of Maple Valley, Washington; son, Darryl Kim Banks of Pasco; six grandchildren, Gavin, Lindsey, Melissa, Jennifer, Zack and Tori; five great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Banks, son, John Jr. Banks, five brothers, two sisters and his granddaughter, Carrie Bowers.