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Rufus Banks Obituary
Rufus was born in Dawson, Georgia and moved to Aurora, Illinois prior to starting elementary school. He attended East Aurora High School where he ran track and played football. In October of 1965, upon graduating from high school, Rufus was drafted by the U.S. Army and in August of 1966, he entered the combat zone where he served in Vietnam for over 18 months.
In 1968, he happily married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Brenda (Perry-Cowherd) Banks. They moved to Batavia, Illinois, had two children and were inseparable for over 55 years.
In 1967, Rufus began working for Illinois Bell and retired as a supervisor from Lucent Technologies in 2000 after working for the AT&T conglomerate for over 30 years. During his retirement he volunteered for the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, enjoyed traveling with Brenda, dominating the game of golf, "messing" in his yard, visiting and spending time with his four grandbabies.
Rufus was the beloved husband of Brenda (Perry-Cowherd) Banks; the adored father to Shelley (Rodney) Johnson and Scott (Ashley) Banks; cherished grandpa to Bradyn & Brycen Johnson and Kaia & Teagan Banks; the loving brother to sister, Cynethia (Albert) Moore; brothers, Ronnell & Vincent Banks; nieces, Darceia Greene, Kimberly (Atiba) Moore-Wright & Amanda Banks; nephews, Darrin Greene & Vincent Banks; sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn (Willie) Tabb, Deborah (Dwight) Waiters & Becky (Rodrick) Cowherd; brother-in-law, James "Michael" (Ricardo) Cowherd, many other special nieces, nephews and friends.
Rufus was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (Foster) and Augustine Banks, Sr.; seven siblings, Tracey Banks, Augustine Banks, Jr., Darryl Banks, Teresa Foster, Audria Banks, Valeria Banks and Constance Anderson; special aunt Mamie Lee; beloved in-laws, Henry & Carolyn Cowherd, and a brother-in-law, Rodrick (Becky) Cowherd.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made in Rufus' honor to the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry.
To sign the online guestbook please visit www.healychapel.com 630-897-9291.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rufus Banks
6 Entries
Lindsey Mcclamb
August 14, 2023
Brenda, I wanted to convey my condolences. Rudy and I made it through those stressful days in Vietnam , there were days we thought we wouldn’t have another day , but God was good to us, he allowed us to have many more days to enjoy family and life , we were blessed. Take care, Lindsey !
Michael Banks
August 13, 2023
Always thought of Rufus as "a brother by another mother", as they say today. While we were not actually related, I always liked Rufus for his integrity and admired Brenda for her exceptionally pleasant demeanor. What a fine couple. Happy their life together has been so giving and positive for those related to them and those who love them. God bless you both!
Raymond Stapleton
August 11, 2023
Deepest condolences to Brenda and to the Banks and Cowherd families and friends.
Allen Hergenhahn
August 10, 2023
Brenda and family,
I want to extend my sympathy for your loss. I am glad Brenda you were able to had fifty years of marriage together and I with Margaret Chalot Hergenhahn
God bless you through this difficult time
Johnny williams
August 9, 2023
May God bless an keep you during this time .In prayer for the family. John D. Williams (Johnny) Gainesville FL.
Dr. Aaron B. Stills
August 9, 2023
Dr. Aaron B. Stills, Sister Gloria R. Stills, and the Smith/Stills families express our love, prayers, condolences and sympathy to Brenda Banks on the passing of their beloved Rufus Banks. He will be greatly missed by his family and loved ones. But always remember, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." I will always remember Rufus as being loving, kind, supportive and well dressed. After 55 years of marriage with Brenda, and don´t forget their love affair in high school. His love and affection for Brenda would be a great place to start a novel followed by a tribute on his athletic career as a might might Tomcat. Let´s keep Brenda and family in our prayers during this difficult time. God bless, Aaron and Gloria
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
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Memorial Events
for Rufus Banks
Aug
12
Visitation
11:00 a.m.
The Healy Chapel Funeral & Cremation Services - Aurora Facility332 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506
Aug
12
Funeral service
12:00 p.m.
The Healy Chapel Funeral & Cremation Services - Aurora Facility332 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506
Funeral services provided by:
The Healy Chapel Funeral & Cremation Services - Aurora Facility332 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506
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