Michael Danks

1951 - 2013

Michael Joe Danks
Evansville, Indiana
Michael Joe Danks, 62, passed very peacefully to be with our Lord on Friday, September 27, 2013. At the time of his passing, Mike was surrounded by his family.
Mike was born August 5th, 1951, and was the second of six children born to Jack and Helen Danks. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack.
Mike graduated from Bosse High School in 1969 where he played football and baseball and excelled academically.
Following high school, Mike attended Indiana State University - Evansville (USI) where he majored in political science and history.
Upon graduation, Mike accepted a sales position with International Harvester Co. where he quickly climbed the corporate ladder. After exceeding several sales records, Mike was promoted and transferred first to Peoria, IL and then to Harvester's World Headquarters in Chicago. Mike was an executive for Harvester's farm and heavy equipment finance division.
Mike decided to fulfill his lifelong dream of going to law school and left the Harvester Co. in 1982.
Upon graduating from the Southern Illinois University School of Law, Mike returned home to Evansville, IN, and became a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. After a two and a half year stint at the Prosecutor's Office, Mike went into private practice. He founded the law firm of Danks & Danks in 1989 upon his brother's (Scott) graduation from law school.
Mike had a very deep passion for criminal defense work, his clients, and representing the poor. Mike felt very strongly that everyone should be provided with excellent legal representation regardless of their social-economic status. Therefore, in addition to serving as the senior partner of Danks & Danks, Mike served for many years as a part-time Public Defender.
Mike was a member of Evansville Lodge No. 64 Free & Accepted Masons and Hadi Shrine. He also served on the board of directors of the Evansville Centurion Federal Credit Union for many years before retiring in 2012.
Mike always lived life to the fullest. He believed in working hard and playing hard. He enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends, democratic politics, Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. Two things Mike never lost at were Trivial Pursuit and arm wrestling. He also loved visiting with his granddaughters, Faith and Ashley Danks and getting hugs and kisses.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sheila Danks; his mother, Helen Danks; his son, Joe (Megan) Danks; grandchildren, Faith and Ashley Danks; his brothers, Ron (Mary), Dan, Jack (Sandy), Scott (Paige), sister, Jeri Reid (Rick); nieces and nephews. He was especially close to his nephew, Josh Ennulat and his niece, Samantha Ennulat.
Mike's family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the wonderful medical care that Mike received at Deaconess Hospital. The family would like to thank in particular, Dr. Michael Harrison, Dr. David Harris, Dr. David Ryon and Dr. Vijay Bhasin and nurses Kari Mowery and Sarah Freeman for their compassion and heroic effort.
Services will be at 1:00 PM Thursday, October 3, 2013, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Pastor Colin Kerr, with burial at St. John's Cemetery in Newburgh. Friends may visit Wednesday, October 2, 2013 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ribbon Chicks, 8100 Azalea Drive, Evansville, Indiana 47712, which is a support group for young breast cancer survivors in honor of his daughter-in-law, Megan Danks. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.