Elmer Lee Banks

The Reverend Elmer L. Banks, our Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Pastor and friend, passed away on February 10, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas. He would have been 83 in just one month. He was born March 23, 1939, in Lampasas, Texas. His parents were Freddie Howard and Rosa Kelly Banks. Elmer lived in Lampasas all of his childhood and in Texas most of his life.

He proudly served our country and was honorably discharged from the United States Army.

He graduated from Lampasas High School in Lampasas Texas and the Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri with a degree in Theology. He was ordained as a Baptist Minister and pastored 3 churches with over 60 years of ministry. His first church was Killeen Baptist Temple in Killeen, Texas for 7 years, then Northwest Baptist Church in Peoria, Illinois for 10 years and his beloved Victory Baptist Church in Haltom City, Texas, for 39 years. His great love and the driving force of his life was preaching the gospel and telling people about Jesus; he led others to do the same. He cherished the members of his churches. He was humbled when countless adults approached him while in the community to thank him for sharing the gospel and for being a positive influence in their lives.

Athletic and adventurous, Elmer played varsity basketball during his Lampasas high school days and held a long-standing state record for scoring the most points in one game. Later, his passion became playing golf and watching the Cowboys play football. One of his favorite past times was sharing Lampasas and ministry stories.

He had numerous siblings from both the Banks and Arms families. The Banks are: Freddie Howard Jr., William Ray, Robert, Jimmy, Linda and Jeanette. The Arms are: Wanda, Wayne, Kathy, Jane, Neal and Elizabeth.

Pastor Banks has two daughters, Debbie Banks of Fort Worth and grandson, Keaton and his wife Amy and Darla Garrett of Fort Worth and her husband, Wayne and grandson, Braydon. He had one son, Lash Banks and his wife, Stacey and their children, Caris, McKenna, Bennett and Camden. In addition, the Banks family adopted two friends as daughters, Joan Mathes and Diane Keenan. He also has spiritual children and friends, members of his churches who meant the world to him.

And then there is Jean, the girl with the red hair who captured his heart when he was a freshman in college and has been his faithful wife and ministry partner over 62 years.

A full life, a great legacy and much love given and received; he never planned to retire. So now he is waiting for us with new stories to tell.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to his incredible caregiver, Lou Ann Mitchell, an employee of Home Instead, for compassionate care as well as many bacon and egg breakfasts. We are grateful to Community Hospice, to Traci, Martha and Julia for their many visits to our home and the emotional and physical support. In addition, we are truly grateful to Michael Sparks Assisted Living and his caring staff for their care during Elmer's final days and transition into heaven. Thank you to our dear friends, to Pastor Fletcher and to Victory Baptist Church for your love and support through the years and especially during this difficult time. We love you all and have been truly blessed by each of you.