Chad Nicholas Banks

Chad Nicholas Banks, 44, Whitley County Commissioner, died unexpectedly of natural causes on his way to a planning commission meeting on September 17, 2025. Born on May 25, 1981, in Columbia City, Indiana, he was the son of Bush Edward "Ed" Banks and Deliela "Dee" (Simon) Banks. Growing up in Whitley County, he graduated from Columbia City High School in 2000. On August 11, 2001, he was united in marriage to Sarah E. Heimerl. Chad enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in August 2002. He served with the Security Forces on bases in Texas, California and North Dakota, and deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar as part of the Global War on Terrorism. He was also a U.S. Air Force recruiter before his honorable discharge in April of 2010. Chad continued his education at Colorado Christian University, earning a bachelor's degree in organizational management and human resources. Chad and Sarah returned to Columbia City in 2013 where they raised six wonderful children. Chad worked at Kelley Services, the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce, and most recently at Hodges Property Management. Following his passion for public service, he entered local government as an Etna Troy Twp. Advisory Board Member before being elected to the Whitley County Council in 2017 and as a Whitley County Commissioner in 2020. Through each position, Chad worked tirelessly for the betterment of our community. Chad's passion for serving was only surpassed by his love for his wife and children. As his children grew, Chad greatly enjoyed their sports and activities, never missing a chance to see them play Eagles volleyball or football, participate in speech and debate, take them to mushroom hunt in Michigan or to fish at the lake. In honor of Chad's outstanding service, Governor Mike Pence awarded him the Sagamore of the Wabash. Gov. Pence also appointed him to the Indiana War Memorial Commission where he served a 3-year term. Chad was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He and his family attended First Church of God, Columbia City. A man of deep faith, Chad loved God and sought to honor Him in all that he did. Surviving is his beloved wife, Sarah; children, Emily Banks of Denver, CO, Gavin Banks of Columbia City, Isaac Banks of Denver, CO, Jack, Oliver, and Charles Banks all of Columbia City; parents, Ed and Dee Banks of Columbia City; brothers, Jim (Amanda) Banks and Bradley (Chelsie) Banks of Columbia City; grandmother Joan Simon of Columbia City and in-laws, Thomas and Tammy Heimerl of Wheat Ridge, CO. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Chester Simon and James Banks, and his grandmother, Coy Banks. Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept.22, at the First Church of God, 1200 Depoy Dr., Columbia City. The funeral service is 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at the church. A private family burial will follow. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Memorials may be made to the Chad Banks Memorial Fund care of Sarah Banks.