Thomas M. "Joe" Bankes, age 73, of Ikeler Hill Road, Bloomsburg died on Monday, March 21, 2011 at his residence under the care of Columbia Montour Home Hospice.
Joe was born on Friday, March 11, 1938 in Bloomsburg, a son of the late Thomas J. and Mary Hontz Bankes. He was a member of the 1956 Graduating Class of the Bloomsburg High School. He was last employed by DeLuxe Homes and also the former Strick Corp. in Berwick. He was a member of the Bloomsburg Moose L.O.O.M. #623, and the Catawissa VFW Post #8306.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Daniel Bankes and a sister: Mary Ellen Slusser.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Elizabeth Cole Bankes; two daughters: Tammy Frey and husband, Robert, Mainville; Tina Baucher and husband, Ross, Berwick; two step-sons: Howard B. Markle and wife, JenniferJo, Virginia Beach, VA; D. Todd Markle and wife, Michelle, Berwick; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; eight siblings: Violet Zapach, of Mainville; Salome Slusser, of Mifflinville; Ralph Bankes and wife, Audrey; Shirley Ackley and husband, Wilbur; Donna Yutko; Robert Bankes and wife, Donna; Patricia Bellum and husband, Albert; and David Bankes and wife, Donna, all of Bloomsburg;
At the request of the deceased, all services will be at the convenience of the family.