Wilfred Banks

Wilfred Banks, 86, of Austin, Texas, passed away on August 6th of 2025, just months shy of his 87th birthday on November 21. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of hard work, entrepreneurship, music, and devotion to family.

Born in Austin in 1938 to Adolf Banks and Rosie Lee Hawkins Banks, Wilfred attended Rosewood, Kealing Jr. High, and Anderson High School. From 1955 to 1957, at the age of 17, he served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific as part of the Corps of Engineers, specializing as a steam boiler operator. During his service, he also completed barber and plumbing school.

Upon returning to Austin, Wilfred pursued higher education, attending Austin Community College and later Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) in the 1970s, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and self-improvement. During this time, the best work available was as a janitor; a position that became the foundation for his future success.

While employed at Merritt, Schaefer, and Brown, his duties expanded to include tailoring work. Over 13 years, he became a master tailor, a skill he carried throughout his life. He later worked part-time at Joske's in Highland Mall while pursuing his dream of business ownership.

In the late 1960s, Wilfred founded Apollo Dry Cleaners at 1700 East 12th Street in Austin. The business grew with support from the Small Business Administration and The Prud'homme Corporation, becoming a trusted neighborhood establishment for many years.

Outside of work, Wilfred was a gifted singer. In the early 1970s, he performed and recorded nationally in Nashville, Tennessee, as a member of The Bells of Joy, a gospel quartet whose music touched audiences across the country. He also served proudly as a Texas Capitol Police officer, protecting the Texas State Capitol and its community.

Wilfred and his beloved wife, Lunettie Hardeman Banks, celebrated over 65 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his sons, Wilfred Jr. Banks and Stanley Banks; his brother, Horace Banks; and stepbrother, Charles Dennis. He is survived by his children Curtis Banks, Wanda Smith (Troy Smith), and Stephanie Lane (Doug Lane), now in their late 60s and early 50s, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wilfred Banks will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a skilled craftsman, a determined entrepreneur, and a man whose life story embodied perseverance, faith, and service to others.

A visitation is planned for Friday, August 22nd at 10:00 AM at Weed Corley Fish Parkcrest in Austin. A funeral service is planned for Friday August 22nd at 12:00 PM at Weed Corley Fish Parkcrest in Austin. A committal service will occur Friday, August 22nd at 2:00 PM at Cook Walden – Memorial Hill, 13700 North Interstate Highway 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.