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Josef Banks Obituary
1963 - 2017
Josef "Joe" Luis Banks, age 53, unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord on August 30, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Joe was preceded in death by his father, James D. Banks; and grandparents, James M. Banks and Ollie Fae Banks. He is survived by daughter Julienne; mother May Lei; cherished companion Linda Waddell; siblings Juana (Michael) Hostin, Paula, Nic, Mary and Robbie; in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Joe was born in Columbus, Ohio on October 29, 1963. A 1982 graduate of Father Joseph Wehrle Memorial High School and a 1987 graduate of The Ohio State University, Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Photography and Cinema and was a scholar athlete in track and field, earning four varsity letters. Joe was employed at the State of Ohio, owned a professional photography business and was actively involved in the church and local community. He was a mentor to many local, young athletes. Joe was named the 2017 Diocese of Columbus Catholic Man of the Year and was a Knight of the Order of Peter Claver. He was also Vice Chair of the Never Quit Scholarship Foundation. Praying of the Rosary will be 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church; 453 N. 20th St.; Columbus, OH 43203. The family will receive visitors at the church Tuesday following the Rosary, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., and 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, September 6. A Memorial Mass will follow immediately at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church. Repast will follow the Mass at St. Dominic Church Parish Center. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to two charities that were near and dear to Joe: Knights of Peter Claver (please notate Chapter 298 scholarship fund; 1825 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116) and St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church. The family would like to recognize Dr. Wanda and the members of the Traumatic Brain Injury Therapy Group at Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center as they were a special part of his life. Arrangements entrusted to DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St. To sign Joe's online guestbook, please visit
www.diehl-whittaker.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Josef Banks
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
Robin A Jones, PhD
August 28, 2025
Joseph was a good man and I miss him dearly. Bless him Lord, for now, he is an angel above.
lucretia allen
December 18, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Lanell Wade, GL, Ct. #298
August 28, 2023
Sorry for the loss of our Knight of Peter Claver. He was such a giving person of his gifts and talents. KPC,LA Ct 298 is praying for the family comfort and healing. He will be truly missed.
Deanna Brown
August 27, 2023
Continual rest my friend!
We love and miss you but you are in thee BEST care of us all!!!
Oscar Ward
September 11, 2017
My prayer and condolences go out to Josef banks and his entire family. May the God of all comfort and peace keep the entire family members of josef banks. Thank you josef for your many contributions to the advancement of human dignity. Rest in heaven my brother!
Thomas Shedlock
September 9, 2017
To The Entire Banks Family (Both Immediate and Extended):
Words cannot express the complete shock I experienced earlier today when I learned of Joe's sudden and most unfortunate passing. A friend of his, who before today was a complete stranger to me, gave me the bad news while we were getting acquainted and sharing old south end stories about people we might both know. Sheryl and I spent a lot of quality time with Joe just a few weeks ago at the Wehrle High School reunion in Gahanna. She is always amazed how "south-enders" can just pick up where they left off, even if many years have passed since they last spoke with or saw each other. This was no exception when we caught up with Joe. He hadn't changed one bit and was still the humble, caring person I always knew from the 1970's.
Through the many years at Corpus Christi and Wehrle, I always admired and respected Joe even though he was 5 years my junior. People in their teens usually don't exhibit those emotions for someone so much younger than them. This is one reason why Joe stood head and shoulders above his peers. My experiences with Joe from those days will remain with me as long as I walk this earth. I know this; I am a better person for having known Josef L. Banks. Please know his memory will long live within us. We are so very sorry for your tragic loss. Many others feel the same as you. My hope is that one day your sorrow and bereavement will be replaced with the knowledge of a life well-lived and of a person who left this world a better place than when he arrived simply by the impact he had on so many others. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Tom & Sheryl Shedlock
John Robinson
September 9, 2017
Rip Joe banks he was a great man and great person my prayers are up for the family
Lauren Patrick
September 9, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you...May God grant peace and understanding today and always
Melanie Brown
September 8, 2017
Joe was truly an amazing man. May his spirit and memory live on in our hearts and minds. May his legacy be a beacon of light for generations to come.
My Condolences to the Banks family.
April Little
September 7, 2017
God's peace and comfort to Joe's family, friends, and all who were touched by his kindness, generosity, and integrity.
Todd Williams
September 7, 2017
Joe was a very kind and caring human being and his life is an inspiration to us all. He will be missed. May God bless Joe and the Banks family.
September 7, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was a wonderful and inspirational person to a lot of people. Joe was a very good friend of my niece Deanna Wallace Williams and our family. He will be sadly missed.
Deborah Wallace
Sharon Roberts Rose
September 7, 2017
My prayers and sympathy go out to the Banks family. May God keep you close at this difficult time. Always remember the good times and Joe's wonderful smile. It will make it easier. - Sharon Roberts Rose, San Francisco Bay Area, California
Tim Hitchcock
September 6, 2017
To Paula and the Banks family. My prayers are with you and the family during this challenging time.
Joe you will be missed.
Tim Hitchcock
September 6, 2017
Joe you will truly be missed. Thank you for being you and always sharing your knowledge and wisdom.
Pepsi Jackson
September 6, 2017
My prayers to joe family and close friends, every time I seen Joe he always had a smile on his face I will missed my friend
Violet Jackson
September 6, 2017
Joe was a kindhearted person, and as a recipient of his kindness I will greatly miss him. May the peace and love of Christ be with his family during this difficult time.
Timothy Prewitt
September 6, 2017
So sorry for your loss Paula and the whole Banks family. Stay strong and know Joe is alright now. From my view, Joe was always a good man and lived a full life even in this short time..Love to the Banks family and everyone who loved Joe. Love, Tim Prewitt
Don Gattis
September 6, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Joe. What an incredible athlete, he was the Usain Bolt of the 80's but an even better person. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Gail Taylor
September 6, 2017
Praying for the family during this time. You and your partner always pushed us in workouts The NeverQuit guys RIH.
Gail and Robert Taylor
Brian and Susan Norris
September 6, 2017
Please accept my condolences, praying for the family
Jackie Jones, Wehrle Class of 1982
Jacqueline Jones
September 6, 2017
Joe, you were always such a beacon of light for all of your classmates,family,friends and community. Someone to look up to and admire for your strength and faith in God. I truly enjoyed all of our days at Corpus Christie and Wehrle High School. My prayers and condolences are with your family. You truly made your mark on this temporary world we live in, and now you have eternal life. RIP, your friend, Jacqueline Jones
Tracy Western
September 5, 2017
God Bless you and your family. May the Lord shine his face upon you.
Steven Craig
September 5, 2017
Joe Your truly missed condolence to the Banks Family
September 5, 2017
Joe Banks was a great man -- as evidenced by his having been named Man of the Year by the Knights of St. Peter Claver only months ago. But everyone who knew him would agree that there were few like him. Losing Joe is a great shock to his family, friends, and the entire community.
Joe was talented, skilled and experienced but he was also humble, thoughtful and service-minded. My family will always remember the difference he made in support of our father, Deacon Robert Neely, throughout his ministry and during his illness and passing. Joe voluntarily assisted our mother, Grace Neely, in every way possible since Dad's passing.
We will definitely miss him.
Anthony Neely
Denise Hargrow
September 5, 2017
Joe, It has been a pleasure knowing you. Your human spirit has been embraced by so many. Your spirit will always be remembered. Your smile enchanting. Rest in peace, friend.Denise Hargrow
Greg Durthaler
September 5, 2017
I have the wonderful memories of Joe as a school mate and friend during Corpus Christi and Wehrle Memorial High School years!
What a gentleman and genuine person our community has lost!
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Banks family.
Kurt Looper
September 5, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will those spontaneous meetings over coffee!
Susan Peters
September 5, 2017
I am so very sorry for the loss of this wonderful man to your Family. You are all in my heart and in my prayers. Susan Peters
Traci Thompson
September 5, 2017
Sending my Condolences to the family and friends. You are in my prayers.
Diane Williams
September 5, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Angela Smith
September 5, 2017
My Condolences to all of your family and friends.
Joe was a kind and wonderful man.
May the selfless gifts and all that inspired you so, continue to bless the lives of others.
(Angie)
September 5, 2017
I met Joe when I came to Central Community House 26 yrs ago. Thank goodness he was one of the first neighbors I met. He was such a kind and caring person and always supported us in our community work. What a role model!
His spirit will always be present in the hearts of so many!
We will hold the family in our hearts and prayers.
Pam McCarthy
Michael E. Phillips
September 5, 2017
To the family and friends of Josef,
Please accept my deepest condolences. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult period.
September 5, 2017
I can't believe that one of the (S7) Serious Seven has passed away. God has given Joe is wings and trust me he's in heaven right now. We had the BEST CLASS at WEHRLE, the Class of 82!! So many memories, mostly good. To the Banks Family, may god ease your mind and heart. Know that GOD has Joe with him in heave. Be Blessed and Stay Encouraged.
Carole Bristow-Birdsall
Wehrle Class of 82!!!
Anne Marie
September 5, 2017
Such a humble and gracious soul who will truly be missed. Blessings!
William H Seward II
September 5, 2017
Bless God for you Joe, I'm glad I was able to enjoy the journey in live knowing you. One of the coolest cats I know. Caring brotha, real and man of action. All love Joe, I will see you again in the kingdom of GOD.... William H Seward II.. Your boy - BI Billy....
Lisa Hartway
September 5, 2017
Such a beautiful person inside and out. May God continue to love and bless your family and friends. You will truly be missed for your smile, charisma, and your love for people.
David Fawcett
September 5, 2017
I am in disbelief and so very sad to hear that Joe is gone. I live very near Holy Rosary-St Johns on Ohio Ave, and met Joe only last summer as he was working to help maintain the grounds of the church. I enjoyed our conversations and came to respect him highly as a real humanitarian with an unselfish giving spirit. I send my sincere condolences to family and others close to him. Our community has lost a very important leader. I will miss him.
A Flower Garden
L Wade
September 5, 2017
To the family
You have my deepest sympathy for such a person like Joe. He was always kind and genuine toward others. As a Knight of St. Peter Claver and his hard work , he will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss. Healing will come. There is brighter light shinning on Joe.
Deanna Brown
September 5, 2017
An all around wonderful person. You will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure to know,love and care about you. Strong in God's army now!
Ronnie Williams
September 4, 2017
Prayers and condolences to the family of Josef Banks and Linda Waddell. I have known Joe sense I was a young man growing up in ST.Dominics Church . Joe has been one of the nicest most genuine people I will ever know I don't think I've ever seen him even mad . My memory of Joe will be of him smiling and always saying hello to me . God bless you Joe and RiH you will be truly missed !!
September 4, 2017
YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND PERSONALITY WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. YOUR CHURCH FAMILY, CONNIE AND JAMES BUTTERWORTH.
Pamela Slater
September 4, 2017
My condolences to the family and friends! May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Diane Baker
September 4, 2017
To the family!
It's terribles to hear about your loss and i express my sincere sympathy to you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Bishop Donald J. Washington
September 4, 2017
Knight Aristides and Lady Yvonne Torres
September 4, 2017
To the family of Josef L. Banks, we send our condolences to you. Joe was always a beacon of light to us. As our Brother In Claverism will miss his kindness and friendship he always showed. A wonderful man who is truly miss. May God comfort the family at this time of loss.
September 4, 2017
A dear and loved friend
Kelly O'Connor
Lisa Neely Burke
September 4, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. I remember him from when my brother Mark competed against him at high school track meets and since then for the overwhelming love and support he gave my family when my father Robert Neely was ill and passed away earlier this year. May the prayers and love of those who were touched by Joe's life provide support to his family now. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Tanya Johnson
September 4, 2017
Prayers of comfort and strength to Joe Banks and family. You have my deepest condolences.
Kelli Bryan
September 4, 2017
Prayers for family and friends! Such terrible loss he had many years left to love and help and inspire people! Love ya Joe Banks Mr.Superstar!
Monica Stith
September 4, 2017
To the Banks Family,
Your Son and Brother, Father and to all of his church Family. Josef will truly be miss. I met him though Society Bank, Mr. Wm Willis with all of the Community Event, Josef was there taking pictures. We were friends through out from that time on. An outstanding person. Josef thank you for all you have done you will always be remember. Rest in Peace.
Kathy Peck-Warfield
September 4, 2017
Artie and I would like to wish our condolences. Joe, was such a comfort to him when he was sick. He was always helping others. Such a tragic loss to us all. Praying for the family.
Shelton Russell
September 4, 2017
My condolences to the Banks family and all those who mourn the loss of Joe Banks. My heart aches over the loss of a dear friend that I traveled with from being boys to men. The countless conversations, experiences and memories I will cherish for the rest of my days. I now know more than ever that while Joe was giving, as he always did, he was also teaching us how to better live this life. You were a classmate, teammate and running mate, as the visionary to develop the Serious Seven (S7) into a lifelong bond of friendship that would never be broken. Well done my brother J.B.
September 3, 2017
I knew you from afar from a beautiful relative of yours, Vanessa. Rest up.
Jerri Lynn harris -drummer
September 3, 2017
Deepest sympathy to Joe Banks' family. Joe was a special person who was generous with his time and service. He was special to the Douglas Harris family. The family appreciated the time Joe spent visiting our Dad at the nursing home in New Albany.God Bless, You are in our prayers Jerri Lynn Harris Drummer
Daryl Gentry Maeder
September 3, 2017
Condolences to the family and many friends of Joe. He was such a blessing to the entire community and touched all of our lives in many ways. He was a gracious and humble servant. Always a kind word, always a warm smile. Joe will be missed.
September 3, 2017
Joe was such a generous, helpful, and giving person and always so cheerful and nice to talk with. He will be missed.
Carolyn
Kelly O'Connor
September 3, 2017
Joe was special to our group. I will never forget my first day of group I wa
Velma Kellermeyer
September 3, 2017
Joe was a Spiritual blessing to me...he took a heavy load off my shoulders by helping my son Kris adjust to his disabilities! God sends help to us through people! Joe was true and faithful in his friendships and I know that he has a special place in Heaven.
Sean Mendenhall
September 3, 2017
He was a towering figure and someone I admired a great deal. I am saddened by this loss. My thoughts and prayers to all friends and family of Joe's.
Suzan Bradford-Kounta
September 3, 2017
Joe Banks,what a beautiful soul and now we have an angel to look upon us. Many of us so enjoyed your time here on earth. May your spirit be at peace!
Sandy Kalmar
September 3, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. Though God called him Home earlier than expected, may your Faith and Memories bring you Peace and Comfort. Joe was an extraordinary man and will be greatly missed.
Senator Charleta B. Tavares
September 3, 2017
To the Family:
May God bless and keep you in His arms of comfort during this most difficult time. Josef was a gift to our community who brought beauty through his photography and comfort through his smile. His memories will sustain you during your grief and solace and he will be with and watch over you always.
God has a new Angel to light up the heavens and bring laughter and beauty. His race has been won and he is celebrating the victory with the King.
September 3, 2017
To the Banks family may God continue to bless you with strength, comfort, and peace. My condolences and sympathy for your family.
JJ
September 3, 2017
Before I knew him, I knew the legend of him. I saw the records and trophies in the cases in the halls of Wehrle. He was inspiring before I met him and even more so awfterwards. Glad I got to see you one last time at the reunion. R.I.P.
John Caslin
September 3, 2017
Nothing but Love R I. P
Marilynda Glenn-Johnson
September 3, 2017
May God bless you and keep your family in a place of peace.I went to Corpus Christi with Joe and always remember his smile and as someone who was a positive light..our prayers are with your family. .
Donna McLean
September 3, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Family! Joe was a true "Man of Valor". He was a dear friend to me and so many others. His embracing smile and calming demeanor will be missed by all who knew him. Heaven has gained an Angel!
Robin Jones PhD
September 3, 2017
To the family of Josef Banks: Joe was a good man who was loved by all. His legacy will continue on in the lives of many. God h a s an ANGEL at the finish line of the Pearly Gates. You can breathe Joe, your race was won. Love, Robin, aka "Rob".
Trent & Cora Clark
September 3, 2017
To the Family of Josef Banks,
You Are All In Our Prayers. May God Give You Peace, Comfort, And Strength.
Joe worked at the United States Postal Service for a year or two back in the 80's while he was in College. He played in the Postal Softball League where his athletic ability stood out, to say the least. He was a very good Employee while he was there and one we wished we could keep. Over the years, I would see him from time to time, at the Main Post Office and elsewhere, and we would talk a little. He was always dressed nicely and I was proud to see him doing well. I see, by his accolades, that he will be dearly missed by Family and Friends.
.
.
-Trent
.
Stephanie Scott-Robinson, Wehrle c/o 81
September 3, 2017
I had the pleasure of attending school with Joe at Corpus Christi and Wehrle. Not only did the Banks family share Joe with us but Joe willingly shared his family with all of us. He was a man of character and will be greatly missed. My condolences and prayers to the family and dear friends of Josef Banks.
Charmel Carter
September 3, 2017
Condolences to the family
Toni Cunningham
September 3, 2017
To the Banks family, you have my deepest condolences and prayers. Joe was a great person, and his light will be missed in the world.
Sherry Baldwin ( Adickes)
September 3, 2017
Joe you were big part of the Wherle family tree class of 82. With your kindness, smile, laughter, you had it all. I'm glad you have crossed paths with me. You will be missed and your very much blessed. Grap your wings that you were blessed with and fly watch over all of us. God bless
Mike and Pattie Jones
September 3, 2017
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you. May Joe rest in peace and may all of the Banks family be comforted during this difficult time and loss
Marc Booker
September 3, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Banks family. Joe was my friend and OSU track teammate. He was a great athlete, but an even better man. I'm glad I got to spend time with him at the OSU Reunion last year. He will be missed.
Angie Blevins
September 3, 2017
So sad to hear this news. We went to school together at Wehrle. What a talented athlete and a kind and giving soul. He was a true overcomer in this life and one that always gave back to others. It was a privilege to call him a friend. Prayers for his family in the days and weeks to come.
Erika Williams
September 3, 2017
Deepest Condolences to your family. May the Lord help you find peace during this time.
LaTanya Settles
September 3, 2017
Our love and prayers go out to the Banks family!
September 3, 2017
I would have been Wehrle class of 92, I always remember his presence at school and he was it's greatest supporter. Too young too soon
W. Isaac Thomas
September 3, 2017
One of the most well-rounded Christian men I knew rest in peace my brother run fast in heaven
Ruth Kirk
September 3, 2017
MayLei, Linda and family, it is with a heavy heart this morning that I send my condolences to your family.
Joey will always have a special memory in my heart and I will remember that beautiful smile every time I saw him. I remember when he was born and watched him grow into a great young man. It is hard to believe I saw him a few weeks ago at the family picnic and today he his gone to his heavenly home. God knows we loved Joey but he loved him more. A song comes to mind when I think about how Joey gave encouraging words and lived a Christian life, "If I can help somebody as I pass this way then my living shell not be in vane". From my family to yours much love and Sympathy.
Ericka Roberts.
September 3, 2017
I will always remember his bright smile that always light up a room. My prayers are with the family.
Carla Williams-Scott
September 3, 2017
To the Banks Family our deepest condolences. Praying for your family during this difficult time.
Lisa Locklear
September 3, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Banks Family is truly dear to my heart.
Suzanne Loosbrock Wehrle c/o 81
September 2, 2017
Prayers and deepest sympathies to Joe's family and friends
DeAnna Wallace-Williams Wehrle c/o '83
September 2, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Banks family. I met Josef and the Banks family in 1978 and I will forever cherish all of the great memories. Thank you so much for sharing Joe with the world. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Karl Wihl
September 2, 2017
I just had a nice long conversation with Joe at the Wehrle reunion and had seen him here and there over the years. What a pleasant person that we all can inspire to be like. The world needs more Joe Banks.
Veronica Whitley
September 2, 2017
May the family find comfort and peace in God during this difficult time. Joe has been a blessing to others by the many lives he touched. Our prayers go out to the family.
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