Curtis D. Bankston

Curtis D. Bankston, cherished husband, devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a beloved friend to many, passed away on March 17, 2026, at the age of 60. He left this world unexpectedly at his home after an ongoing heart complication. Curtis was born on December 9, 1965, in Jefferson County, Alabama, to Diane Miller and Robert Bankston. His mother, Diane, preceded him in death, as did his grandparents, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience that Curtis carried forward.

From a young age, Curtis displayed a passion for life and a steadfast dedication to those around him. He was a proud graduate of East High, Youngstown, Ohio, Class of 1984. His sense of duty led him to enlist in the Army in July of 1991, where he bravely served overseas during Desert Storm. Curtis was honorably discharged in 1995, having made significant contributions to his country.

In his professional life, Curtis dedicated himself to healthcare, where he spent the majority of his career helping others. In his later years, he transitioned to working as a security guard and dispatcher, roles that showcased his commitment to safety and community.

Curtis found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was a devoted fan of nonfiction films, often finding humor and joy in even the most poorly rated ones. A die-hard enthusiast of video games, Curtis often spent his downtime immersed in the worlds of Warcraft and Diablo, finding both adventure and solace in these virtual realms.

Family was the cornerstone of Curtis's life. On October 31, 1998, he married the love of his life, Laura Bankston. Together, they built a life full of excitement and adventure, raising Laura's two daughters from a previous marriage, Molly Axiotis and Ranee Bruss. Curtis and Laura were deeply involved in the lives of their five grandchildren: Taylor Carr Willier and her spouse Brandon Willier, Dylan Carr and his partner Jasmine Dangerfield, Isabella Bruss, Brian Axiotis, and Samantha Axiotis. Curtis's heart swelled with pride for his great-grandson, Colton Carr, whose presence brought an extra sparkle to his eyes.

Curtis had a unique ability to entertain and enthrall those around him, particularly his grandchildren, with whom he shared countless hours of creativity, laughter, and adventure. His sense of humor and zest for life were infectious, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

A celebration of Curtis's life will be held on March 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Borowski Memorial Home, Newton Falls, Ohio. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the VA Administration out of Ravenna, Ohio, for their unwavering support and care during this difficult time, as well as to all family and friends who have offered their love and condolences.

As Curtis would often say, "nothing new and exciting going on here, just another same old day," yet those who knew him understood that every day with Curtis was a treasure. His life was a testament to love, laughter, and the enduring bonds of family. Curtis D. Bankston will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.