Obituary: Claude Peter Banks - Class of 1944

MADISON - Claude Peter Banks, age 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. He was born on May 18, 1925, in Madison, where he grew up in the Bush, son of Leroy Banks Sr. and Ozella (Smith) Banks. Peter attended Central High School and before completion of his senior year, was drafted in to the U.S. Navy. On his return home from the service, he was given an honorary diploma from Central High. Peter retired from Oscar Mayer after 41 years, and the Veteran's Hospital after 33 years of employment, before retiring to a full life of relaxation and bike riding. He was a long time member of St. Paul AME Church. Peter is survived by his sisters, Anna Hargons and Elsie (Watson) Wesbrooks; his daughters, Claudette Clay and Pat (Al) Minter; son, Michael (Ruth) Banks; daughters, Robin Banks, Jacqueline Banks, Merl Lynn Banks, Lisa Banks and Jasmine Banks; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Leroy Jr. (Ollie Mae) and Fred Banks. Funeral services will be held at ST. PAUL AME CHURCH, 4525 Diamond Drive, Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005. Burial will be in Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison. Family and friends may call on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center staff for their loving care given to Daddy in his last days we were blessed to spend with him. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. I am gone release me. Let me go. I have so many things to see you know. You must not tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love; you can only guess how much you gave me happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown. But now it's time I traveled alone. So grieve awhile for me. If grieve you must. Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a while that we must be apart. So bless the memories with in your heart. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 11, 2005

Note: Claude Peter Banks' class year is based on information provided by his daughter, Merl Lynn Banks.