Bobby Joe Banks

Bob was born in Depew, OK on March 26, 1937, and went to be with the Lord on October 28, 2022, in Visalia, CA, at the age of 85. He passed from this life peacefully at home with family by his side. Bob is survived by his wife Joyce (Holman) Banks. They were married for 63 years and had known each other since grade school years at Arvin Haven Drive Elementary School in Arvin, CA. Bob is also survived by his son Rod Banks (Nancy) of Visalia, his daughter Sonja Bennett (Rod) from TN, grandson’s Matthew Banks (Adriana) from Shafter, Timothy Bennett and James Bennett from TN, great-grandsons Kyland Banks, Anthony Gomez, great-granddaughter Michelle Rivera (Shafter), his sisters Freida Henderson of Bakersfield, and Maria Medlock (Larry) from Wasco. He also left behind many extended family members who knew him as Grandpa and Uncle Bob, whom he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his parents Philip and Jessie Banks, brother Philip Banks, Jr., and sister Wanda James, all from Bakersfield.

Bob worked for over 45 years in the cattle industry. He worked as a bookkeeper for Rudnick Feed Yard in Bakersfield before moving his family to Tulare in 1968 where he was the office manager for Colpien and Stuhaan Feed Yards. He later partnered with his dear friend Jerry Beasley in ownership of B & J Feed Yard and a cattle ranching company. His family has fond memories of growing up near the feed lot, the spring roundups, and having lots of fun times with the Beasley and Turner families.

After retirement, Bob and Joyce spent several years traveling the country in their motor home, eventually taking on jobs as camp hosts in Cave Springs, AZ, Dinkey Creek, CA and in Washington state near Mt. St. Helens. As their traveling days began to wind down, Bob and Joyce worked for Derrel’s Mini Storage in Tulare, Visalia, and Fresno.

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, camping, golf, and Dodger Baseball. But most of all, he loved the Lord, his family, and dearest friends with all his heart…often becoming very emotional when speaking of them.

Memorial and Graveside Services will be on Monday, November 14, 2022, at 1:00 P.M. at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93306. Reception following.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Banks family.