Date of Birth: August 10th, 1929
Date of Death: November 18th, 2017
Richard Dean Banker went to his happy hunting ground at age 88. He died in his sleep at home with his wife and dogs, Duke and Sadie nearby. He left this world at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 18th – opening weekend of deer season. Born to Clyde and Lola (nee Chandler) Banker, Town of Somers, Sheridan Road. Preceded by his parents, brothers Bob (USMC Raider WWII) and Clyde Jr. (5th Cavalary Mechanized Korea) and his baby sister, Barbara Jean.
He is survived by the mother of his children Patricia (Terence) Haas, present spouse Katy Banker and his beloved daughters, Candace (James) Vasey, Ellen (Phil) Cruz, dear grandkids Callie Vasey, Sarah and Max Cruz and great grandson Ezra Chandler Bump, sister L’Oree (Pat) Conley, niece Susan (Stu) VanSwol and nephew Steve (Kim) Banker. On November 15, 1998, Richard and Katy were united in marriage by Judge William Binnetti and they made their home in Racine.
Richard was a marine Sgt. Korean War – Inchon and Chosin Reservoir. Life member Chosin Few. Employed as a truck driver Teamster for 20 years and manufacturing worker Jacobsen Textron, finishing his career with 22 years driving truck for Pioneer Machine Products working full time to age 73.
He loved his family – his dogs, Lady, Charlie Brown, Sammy, Duke and Sadie. Richard rode horses, loved hunting-fishing-collected knives, tomahawks and custom belts. Enjoyed a good cigar and stood proud being a “Puller Trained” Marine serving in Korea with Chesty Puller and the First Marines – First Division B1/1/5th Battalion. Richard was very proud of his service in Korea and took great satisfaction in the beautiful country South Korea is today.
Sadly, he lost 85% of his vision to macular degeneration by age 80, quit driving and took to his favorite chair on the rear patio and deck. His home by the lake allowed him to enjoy the lake view year-round and survey his domain. He never missed Rush Limbaugh on 11:30 a.m. radio.
Richard outlived nearly all his “buddies” – Klondike, Dick Hovorka, Bob Hovorka, Lenny Gister, Bob Toft, Rosie and Fritz. They are all together now – happy forever.
Great gratitude to his daughter Ellen for her care and help and all the prayers and support from daughter Candi, many thanks to Dr. Patel, Dr. Gierahn, Ascension Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care. Please direct any memorials to the VFW of Racine, 820 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403.
A funeral service with Military Honors for Richard will be held Friday, December 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Strouf Funeral Home. The family will receive guests on Friday, December 15, 2017 in the Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial is private for the family.
Semper Fi – at ease-carry on.
Dear katy
I am so sorry to hear of Richards passing
He was such a nice man.
I enjoyed our talks …
God bless you all..
Dave (duke) Snyder
Condolences to the Banker family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.