Jon "Fred" Frederick Banks

Jon Frederick “Fred” Banks, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 13, 2026 at the age of 85. Born October 31, 1940, in Louisville, Kentucky, Fred graduated from Shawnee High School where he was senior class president. Fred went onto Vanderbilt University with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1962. Fred spent 30 years at Brown & Williamson Tobacco retiring at the age of 55 in 1995, followed by two years of consulting work at American Air Filter.

In retirement, Fred pursued his passion for golf being a member of Cherokee Men’s golf league. He was an avid runner, running in many races run around the Kentucky Derby Festival with his stepson Jon. He loved woodworking and built many gifts for family and friends. If it could be made with wood, he could make it. Fred loved his huge garden, and was always willing to share vegetables with family and friends. Fred was an elder at Calvin Presbyterian Church, serving as Clerk of Session until the church closed in 2022. He volunteered for many years for Mid Kentucky Presbyterian, including one year as moderator. Fred served on the Committee of Ministry, helping and guiding the process to churches on their path to find new ministries when needed. He was a volunteer for St. Mam area ministries delivering groceries to the homebound.

Fred loved the University of Louisville basketball and football and vacationing at St. Simons, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina in addition to many overseas destinations.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, William and Ruth Volkerding Banks and brothers William Jr., David and Jim Banks, beloved grandson Austin J. Conrad, daughter in law Pamela Conrad, step mother Virginia Banks, sisters-in-law Bettie Banks, Marcia Banks and Alice Benner. Fred is survived by his loving wife Linda of 41 years, daughter Bethany Malekelis (Jim), Michael (Jeana), J Fred Jr., stepson and best friend Jon Conrad (Suzanne), stepdaughter Susan Conrad Hudson (Jim), grandchildren Jessica Zoeller, Alexandra Conrad, Mary Hamilton Davenport (Bryan), Lily Hamilton, Caroline Malakelis Wierda (Spencer), Grace Malakelis, Taylor Campbell (Patrick), Rachael Christensen (Eric), Michael Banks II, Jordan Harris and Alec. Additionally, great grandchildren Cecilia Campbell, Beverly Campbell, Tommy Campbell, Joelle Harris and Julian Harris in addition to several nieces and nephews.

A special note of gratitude is expressed to Jon and Suzanne Conrad, Alexandra Conrad, Jessica Zoeller, Susan and Jim Hudson and the many staff at Baptist Hospital during his illness. Most notably, much appreciation and gratitude to his beloved wife Linda, who was Fred’s primary caregiver over the last five years of his life.

Services for Fred will be held at Arch L. Heady funeral home, located at 7410 Westport Road, Louisville, Kentucky, 40222. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 17th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm immediately followed by the funeral service in the chapel. A graveside service for the family will follow at Cave Hill Cemetery.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Jon Frederick “Fred” Banks and remembering the joy he brought to all those who knew him. In Fred’s memory, give the gift of life and give blood.