Charles Richard Banks

Charles Richard “Dick” Banks, loving husband of Patsy (Jeffery) and devoted father of Carmen, Cathy, Christy and Chuck, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the age of 81 after a hard-fought battle with mesothelioma. 

He leaves behind a family and a wide community of friends forever shaped by his generosity, steadiness, quick wit and thoughtful wisdom. Charles was born on July 3, 1944, in Horton, Kansas, the son of Charles L. and Ruby H. (Linneman) Banks.

He grew up in northeast Kansas and graduated from Whiting High School in 1962. His early years on the farm instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility, humility and a lifelong commitment to caring for others. He was a storyteller with a creative mind and a successful entrepreneur, building several businesses while valuing hard work and encouraging others to work smarter rather than simply harder. Family was the heart of Charles’s life. He was a devoted husband for 59 years and a loving father to his four children, especially his beloved daughter Cathy “Pooh,” whom he and Patsy lovingly cared for at home until her passing in 2022. He was also deeply proud of his eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren and found his greatest joy in time spent with them. 

Charles was blessed with countless dear friends, and he truly never knew a stranger. His kindness was lived out daily through service to others, whether by offering a helping hand, sharing a meal or quietly meeting a need. His compassion and generosity touched far more lives than he ever realized. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, Kansas 66610. The family invites all who knew and loved Charles to join them for a reception immediately following the service as they gather to honor a life defined by love, service and friends.