Obituary of George-A. Banks

->AUGUSTA -- George A. Banks, 77, of Smith Street died Feb. 15, 2009, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta, after a brief illness.He was born in Manchester on April 4, 1931, the son of John B. Banks and Marie (LeGendre) Banks. Mr. Banks was a 1949 graduate of Cony High School. Prior to his retirement in 1984, he was employed as an inspector for the 152nd Maintenance Company of the Maine Army National Guard, with a rank of sergeant first class. He served with the Maine Army National Guard adjutant general's department for a total of 34 years.For many years, George and his wife, Evelyn, enjoyed raising and selling Christmas trees at "Christmas Tree Banks" in West Windsor. They also are proud owners and developers of Waterfordridge Homesites Inc. of West Windsor.They enjoyed summering at their cottage on Three Mile Pond and then spending the winter months at their home in Largo, Fla.Mr. Banks was a member of St. Michael Parish, a charter member of the Manchester Lions Club, and a member of Manchester Grange 172 and the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge of Augusta.He was predeceased by his parents and by a brother, Leon Banks.Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Evelyn (Jackson) Banks, of Augusta; two daughters, Cynthia A. Banks, of Augusta, and Janice M. Pratt, of Bucksport; one sister, Ruth B. Daggett, of Manchester; a sister-in-law, Joan Banks, of North Fort Myers, Fla.; two grandsons who affectionately called him "Beeky," Preston and Judson Pratt; and several nieces and nephews.Visiting hours are 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at St. Andrews Catholic Church, Augusta. Spring burial will occur in St. Mary's Cemetery, Manchester. Memorial donations may be made to either Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330; or American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences to the family may be expressed via the funeral home Web site at www.plummerfh.com.