William George Banks, age 93, of Avon, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026 at home with his wife.

Born on September 16, 1932 in Bath, Illinois to Harold Banks & Elsie (Fletcher) Banks, he lived a life marked by faithfulness, humor, wit, compassion, and commitment to the people he loved. He believed that it was necessary to laugh every day.

Bill married his beloved high school sweetheart Marilyn (Dierker) Banks on June 6, 1954 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bath, IL. They shared an extraordinary 72-year marriage grounded in love, devotion, faith, and family.

He proudly served in the Air Force from 1952 to 1956, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his service, he was stationed in Japan during the Korean War.

He graduated from Illinois State University and attended Northwestern University on math grants and worked a 30-year education career as a math teacher, principal, and eventually superintendent for Illinois schools.

Whether he was coaching basketball, playing a round of golf, cheering for St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Illini basketball, or enjoying cards with friends or family, Bill cherished the camaraderie as much as the friendly competition. His nieces and nephews lovingly knew him as the "Gray Wolf," a title that reflected his mischievous sense of humor. He delighted in playful teasing, finding as much joy in making others laugh as they did in laughing with him. Bill was rarely without a smile.

Bill could always be found within the first five pews at church or the first to log on to online services each Sunday at Messiah Lutheran Church in Brownsburg, IN. He and his wife were devoted members who actively participated in various bible study groups and Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLS).

William George Banks was preceded in death by his sister Winnefred, parents Harold and Elsie, and son Brian.

He is survived by Marilyn (Dierker) Banks; daughter-in-law Darlene (Lane) Banks, grandchildren Andrew Banks and Riley (Devin) Guard; siblings Joyce (widow of Jack) Gregory, James (Carolene) Banks, Harold Max (Joan) Banks, Joan (widow of Don) Smith, Steven Banks, and Joy (Don) Friend; and many other family and friends who loved him dearly.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 7th from 11 am to 12 noon at Messiah Lutheran Church, 801 S Green St, Brownsburg, IN 46112, with a celebration of life service to follow at 12 noon. A private family celebration of life will be held at the gravesite in Havana, IL at a later date.