William Dale Banks

William Dale Banks 83, of New Philadelphia, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2013 peacefully in his home.

The son of the late William Bryan and Hilda (Dubach) Banks, Dale was born September 29, 1929 in Somerdale, Ohio.

On June 3, 1949, he married the love of his life the former Patricia Butler and together the couple raised their four children on their family farm outside New Philadelphia and celebrated 63 years of marriage prior to her passing on Septemeber 24, 2012.

Dale, who attended Dover High School, worked at various local businesses including Sparta Ceramic, Fairfield Brick, and Republic Steel before getting his CDL in 1962. From that time on, he worked as a teamster driving semi-truck for Gateway Transportation and later drove for Nickles Bakery, at Navarre, ultimately retiring from Nickles in 1992. Dale was extremely proud of his perfect 30 year driving record while employed by both Gateway Transportation and Nickles Bakery.

Dale enjoyed working around the farm, which many times became an event involving the entire family. Many summers he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren as they helped with the hay making and other activities on the farm, including hay rides, swimming, and bonfires. He enjoyed the various events involving his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whether it involved work, sports, hobbies, or academics.

Although he was at times a man of few words, he was quite proud and supportive of his family. He always made it a priority to provide for his wife, and family; always putting them before himself. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by three daughters, Susan Trachsel, Peggy (Jon) Lee, and Sara (Jeff) Lewis; one son, John Lewis “Lewie” (Cathy) Banks; eight grandchildren, Debbie (Aaron) Fox, Lori Trachsel, Nathan (Christine) Lee, Carrie (Jason) Bandy, Eric Lee, Mindy Lewis, Rachel Lewis, and Jeremy Banks; and eight great-grandchildren, Landon, Parker, and Brady Fox, Austin and Abigail Lee, and Stella, Barrett, and Evelyn Bandy.

In keeping with Dale’s wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral services. The family will receive friends and host a time of Fellowship on Friday, February 22, 2013 from 6 to 8 pm in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dale’s memory to Friends of the Homeless, 211 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.