Brian Banks, 57, of Avon passed away at Hendricks Regional Health on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at approximately 4:25 pm. Brian was born on May 14, 1968 in Springfield, IL, devoted son of Bill and Marilyn (Dierker) Banks of Avon, they survive. He married the love of his life, Darlene (Lane) Banks, on July 1, 1995, she survives. Brian is also survived by his children, Andrew Banks of Speedway, and Riley (Devin) Guard of Brownsburg; their dog Murphy and "granddogs" Stella and Daisy; numerous siblings-in-law, aunts and uncles, and nieces and nephews. He was also blessed to meet his biological sister Alisa (Chris) Fiorentino and her family.

Brian shared stories from the many layers of his life. He attended Illinois Wesleyan University and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He enjoyed a long career as a sales leader for products ranging from Legos to pet food to cabinets to hardware products. His family appreciates the support he received during his health battle from his last employer, Richelieu, where he was Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Brian was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals like his parents and enjoyed watching his Cubs fan friends struggle. Legend has it he once sent a personalized Cardinals jersey to an impressionable family member of a Cubs friend! The University of Michigan Wolverines were a favorite football team since childhood because of their helmets. And while he enjoyed tailgating with his son-in-law's family before home games, he kept the Colts guessing about the level of his support.

Brian thrived with family and friends around him. Tossing bags with his brother-inlaw Danny, traveling with Darlene and friends, and annual meetings with his Steamer buddies Jeremy, Mike, and Harry are examples of the community he created. Friends who joined him on a tour of restaurants and establishments, even accidentally breaking into a speakeasy - or enjoyed a meal Brian had prepared - always left a five-star review!

Be it board games, billiards, bags, or basketball, friends knew that Brian was always up for fun competition. And, you had to bring your best because his goal was to win! Extended family in Havana, IL can attest to Brian's skills as an outdoorsman. And, you wouldn't be surprised to see him in the crowd enjoying local - heavy - live music or the Indy 500. Fellow members of Messiah Lutheran Church in Brownsburg, IN were not surprised to see him in the pews. Brian was a man of Faith.

Brian's priority was adventuring with his self-named "Awkward Family" - Darlene and the kids. A new hobby was camping with Darlene and their dog Murphy in their camper "the Olive Branch." Hiking or kayaking - then sitting around a fire discussing friends and family is something Brian would recommend to everyone. Life is short. Brian was a role model for maximizing the experience of life - especially in the years after receiving a diagnosis that was supposed to take him much earlier than it did.

One of Brian's favorite quotes comes from former basketball coach and athlete Jim Valvano: "if you laugh, you think and you cry, that's a full day." He often encouraged those in his life to have a full day, every day.

Brian's celebration of life service will be at Messiah Lutheran Church in Brownsburg, IN at 3:30 pm on Friday, December 12, 2025. Rev. Roland Lindeman and Rev. Jim Wetzel will officiate. Visitation will begin at 2:30 pm with a meal in the Kinney Family Life Center (at Messiah Lutheran Church) at the conclusion of the service. Matthews Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations or support for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) in memory of Brian at www.pancan.org