Richard Douglas Banks

Richard Douglas Banks (Dick), age 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 28, 2025, at the home of his eldest son in Pocatello, Idaho.

He was born on July 4, 1941, the eldest child of Richard Burton Banks and LaPrele Tait Banks in Cedar City, Utah. Richard grew up in Milford, Utah, where he graduated from Milford High School in 1959. During his school years, he played football, clarinet, saxophone, and was honored as the outstanding actor for his lead role in "Inherit the Wind", an early glimpse of his quiet talent and presence.

He attended Southern Utah University for a short time. He earned his barbering license in Salt Lake City, a trade that became both a profession and a lifelong service to others. He worked in barber shops in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Cedar City, and Milford, and continued cutting the hair of his dad, also a barber, his children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. His chair was always a place for stories, laughter, and connection.

Richard worked for over 20 years at Utah State University in the Physical Plant where he grew in leadership and professionalism, skills he helped develop and mentor in his children. He later worked for 10 years at Southern Utah University, retiring in 2003. He was naturally gifted with administrative, interpersonal connections and his children sought his advice in their professional careers.

He gave generously of his time in the community. He served on the Utah State University Credit Union Board and served as a Justice of the Peace in North Logan, roles he approached with integrity and dedication. His service extended to coaching both community women's softball teams and youth church basketball and softball teams as well as serving as a referee, always encouraging fairness, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.

Richard was the most loving and supportive father. He showed his love by being present, making sure he never missed the big moments in his children's lives but was also invested in their daily lives, never missing an opportunity to ask what he could do for them. He always had a joke to share, a helping and willing hand to lend, and an "I love you" spoken with every goodbye. He worked hard his entire life and carried an unwavering work ethic, one he passed down to his children through example.

Richard deeply loved his parents and showed that love through steady, faithful action. In their later years, he regularly drove to Central, Utah to help mow their lawn, take them to doctor appointments, and care for their home. It was simply who he was, someone who showed up, again and again, for those he loved.

He served faithfully in many church callings and gave of himself with humility and dedication. While living in Las Vegas, he served in the "Indian Branch", a calling he deeply loved and spoke of often. He later served as a service missionary, working with LDS Family Services and Employment Support. For a time, he also served as an ordinance worker in the Red Cliffs Temple. He loved to study the scriptures and the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially the Come Follow Me program in which he led a Family Home Evening group. He loved teaching the principles of gospel in lessons and was a gifted speaker, generously sharing his testimony of Jesus Christ.

He loved to travel, especially visiting U.S. historical sites, returning home with stories that he eagerly shared with his family and friends. He loved the outdoors, finding peace and joy in nature, especially fishing with his good friend Ken or his brother, sons and grandsons. He was known for his barbeque sauce, dutch oven cooking and peanut brittle. He loved to drive whether a short drive up the canyon or a long road trip, even driving 8 hours to get a piece of pie. He took great joy in his shiny new trucks and Cadillacs.

He married Jane Waddoups in November 1960. Though they later divorced in 1983, they remained good friends. In 1998, he married Susan Meekins. Throughout his life, Richard delighted in teasing his children, grandchildren, and siblings with good-natured humor, a gift of laughter they will forever cherish.

To his family, he was the very best and most loving dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, son, brother, and uncle. He found joy in the simplest moments, never missing an opportunity to sing "I'm an Old Cowhand" or "Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener", bringing a smile to anyone in the room.

Richard is survived by his children Curtis (Dalene), Barbara (Freddie Wearrien), Diane (Michael Munson), Denise (Kurt Pruhs), Maggie (Tim Beckstrand), Doug (Chelsey) and Susan's children Mike (Amy) McGuire and Molly Lake-Crawford as well as 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and 3 bonus-grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild; his siblings Julia Rae Alger, Delores Wilbur, and Glen (Gina) Banks with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Susan, parents Richard and LaPrele Banks and two brothers in law.

Richard's funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, under the direction of Bishop J Michael Randall with arrangements entrusted to Spilsbury Mortuary. A viewing will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 930 Morningside Drive, St George, UT from 9:30-10:30 am. Funeral Services begin at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in the Cedar City Cemetery at 2:30 pm.

Those unable to attend the service are invited join and watch through the following livestream link: Zoom Link

Family and friends can share memories on his digital guestbook below.