Fred L. Banks

Fred Banks was born on December 30, 1937, in Alexandria, Louisiana. Fred was the third of ten children born to Milton and Essie (Banks) Wright Sr.

Fred accepted Christ at an early age at Fellowship Baptist Church in Lillie, Louisiana. He was also educated there.

Fred moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1957 with hopes of better job opportunities. He worked for several companies, then began his career in 1965 as an animal hide grader at Emline Hide Co. He worked there for 35 years and retired in 2000.

Fred was first united in marriage to Helen (Williams) Banks and gained a son, Vernon Banks. One daughter, Ida Banks, was born to their union. Later he married Estelle (Denson) McGee Banks in 1984 and gained a son, Walter McGee, and a daughter, Shermaine Shannon.

Fred had an enduring faith in God. He was a member of two churches in Kansas City, MO. First at St. Stephen’s Baptist Church for many years. In 1997 he was a founding member of United Believers Community Church. He served faithfully and actively in both churches. His UBCC family will surely miss Papa Fred!

Fred was a quiet and unassuming man. His humble character and baritone voice drew people to him. He loved spending time with his family (especially his grandchildren).

He enjoyed gardening, fishing, traveling, playing cards, dominoes, cooking, and grilling. He was a loyal fan of his KC Chiefs and Royals.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Essie Wright Sr.; both wives, Helen Banks and Estelle Banks; daughter Ida Banks Ivey; son Vernon Banks Sr.; grandson Vernon Banks Jr.; brothers: Sylvester Banks, Reverend James Wright, and Johnny Wright; and sisters: Doris Hall and Beverly Abrams.

Fred leaves to cherish his memory, brothers: Milton (Lullia) Wright Jr., Otis (Linda) Wright, and Havis (Chonita) Wright; sister Ruby Smith; son Kenneth McGee; daughter Shermaine Shannon; grandchildren: Jeremiah Ivey, Kaiden Ivey, Maurice Banks, Walter Pickens, Melvin Price, Tesheima Price, and Nikayla Guardado; many great- and great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law Reggie Ivey; daughter-in-law Christine Banks; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, his beloved church family, and many friends old and new.