Rudolph Edward Banick

Rudolph Edward "Rudy" Banick Sr., 93, of Farmington, West Virginia passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on October 28, 2025, at his home. He was born in Bethlehem, West Virginia on July 21, 1932, a son of the late Joseph and Mary Zavilla Banick.
Rudy is survived by his current wife Meredith Jones Banick; daughter Deborah Kay Wolfe; son Timothy Robert Banick; step-son K.C. Jones (Pam); grandchildren: Rascal Wolfe, Amanda Banick Smith (Ryan), Andrew Banick (Brittney), Travis Banick (Beretta), Trenton Banick (Tyzori); step-grandchildren: Stephanie Cummons (Jared) and Samantha Halpenny (Jimmie); great grandchildren: Carter Smith, Jordan Smith, Cora Banick, Kyra Banick, Damian Banick, Braelynn Banick, Easton Banick, and Stormi Banick; step-grandchildren: Kyan Cummons, Casey Cummons, and Miles Halpenny; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Rudy was preceded in death by his first wife, Eva Brock Banick; his son, Rudolph Banick Jr.; sisters: Velma Frances Tippner Tennant, and Mary Jane Criss; brother Joseph "Sonny" Banick; and son-in-law Aljournen Wolfe Sr.
Rudy was a 1951 graduate of Farmington High School where he was a star athlete. He excelled in baseball, basketball, and especially football. Rudy was the fastest running back to ever come out of Farmington High School. He was a legend around the Farmington area and those that were fortunate enough to have watched him play have their own stories of his amazing abilities. After graduation, Rudy attended Potomac State where he furthered his football skills. He was well on his way to becoming the third NFL player from Farmington when he was drafted into the Army to fight in the Korean War, but he continued playing, now for the Army football team.
Before leaving for the war, Rudy married his high school sweetheart, Eva Brock. During his time in Korea, Rudy and Eva became parents to a baby girl, Deborah. He returned home and became a proud coal miner, starting his career in Idamay. At that time, he and Eva added a baby boy to their family, Rudolph, whom they lovingly called "Brother". They spent time completing their new home and welcomed a second son, Timothy, to the family. After a long and happy forty-eight years together, Eva became ill and passed away.
After becoming widowed, Rudy became friends with Meredith Jones. After dating for two years, they married. Together they shared twenty-one years of marriage. They enjoyed bus trips to WVU football games, of which he was an avid WVU fan, Amish Country, and other scenic trips. They had a very enjoyable and loving life together.
As a coal miner, Rudy held various positions including mechanic, fire boss, company inspector, and belt boss. The mines that he worked at included: Bethlehem Steel, where he worked side by side with his dad, Four States Mine #20, Loveridge, and Robinson Run. As proud as he was of his mining career, he was even more proud of the lives he saved and the men he rescued as Captain of the mine rescue team. He and his team were part of the recovery operation for the No. 9 mine explosion. Rudy ended his mining career after thirty-five years of service and dedication.
Friends will be received at Hutson Funeral Home, 3171 Husky Highway Farmington, on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 4 pm until 8 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 1, at 10 am. Interment will follow at the Farmington IOOF Cemetery. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.HutsonFuneralHomes.com. The Hutson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Banick Family.