Joe Banks

Sherman- Graveside funeral services for Clinton Joe Banks will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, March 19 at Cedarlawn Memorial Park. Dr. Alton Fannin of the First Baptist Church in Ardmore, Oklahoma will officiate the service. Ira Schachar, Eli Schachar, Asa Schachar, Dustin Hitchcock, Preston Parrish and Cary Herrin will serve as pallbearers. Mr. Banks, 84, passed away Sunday, March 14 at the Medical Center of Plano.

Joe was born on January 17, 1926 in Port, Oklahoma to the late Walter Franklin ?Bus? Banks and Nannie Bess (McNabb) Banks. After graduating from Cordell High School in 1944, Joe served with the US Army's 10th Armored Infantry Battalion in Germany during World War II. On September 18, 1948, he and Helen Jo Roden were married in Clayton, New Mexico. In 1949, Joe received a BS degree from Panhandle State University and in 1952, received a Master's degree in School Administration at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. After teaching at various schools, he became the High School Principal in Boise City and then in 1953 moved to Marietta, Oklahoma. Joe worked over 34 years in the Marietta Public School System, first as a Principal for seven years, then as Superintendent of Schools. In 1960, land was purchased that would eventually encompass the entire school campus. By 1987, a new elementary school, middle school, high school, gymnasium, auditorium, vocational building and football stadium had been built. He was always proud of the dedicated teachers and staff and the countless accomplishments of the many students who attended the Marietta Public Schools. Former high school students recall the loud pep assemblies as Mr. Banks led students in the high-spirited cheer ?Powder River ? Pour It On 'Em?. The school meant much more to him than just a job! Also, Joe was an active member of the Marietta Lions Club and upon moving to Sherman, he joined the Sherman Noon Lions Club. In addition, he was a lifetime member of The American Legion, Am Vets and the Retired Teachers Association of Oklahoma. During retirement, Joe and Helen enjoyed playing 42 with close friends and enjoyed caring for three beloved dogs. They were married over 59 years when Helen passed away in November 2007. Both were members of the Western Heights Church of Christ.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his two daughters, Kathy Schachar and husband Ronald of La Jolla, California and Kay Hitchcock and husband Wendell of Sherman; sister, Wanda Price of Cordell, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Ira Schachar, Elise Schachar, Eli Schachar, Leah Schachar, Asa Schachar, Jennifer Parrish and husband Preston, Lindsey Herrin and husband Cary, and Dustin Hitchcock; four great grandchildren, Dylan Herrin, Madison Herrin, Gage Herrin, Paxton Parrish and a host of friends and other family. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Following the funeral, the family will receive friends in the Waldo Family Center. The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sherman Noon Lion's Club, White Cane Days Fundraiser at PO Box 864, Sherman, TX 75091.