John Michael Wilbanks

John Michael “Mike” Wilbanks, 73, of Peoria, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026, in Eureka, Illinois. He was born January 13th, 1953, the youngest son of Reverend Prentice H. and Mary Latham Wilbanks. He married Rae Jean Perrine on September 21st, 2000, in Peoria, Illinois. She passed away October 27th, 2024.

Fondly known as Wilbur, he is survived by sons Matt Wilbanks of Eureka, and Brett (and Jennifer) Wilbanks of Pekin, step-children Doug (and Megan) Stone of Baton-Rouge, Louisiana and Deann Ingersoll of Peoria, and grandchildren Kiersten (and Avi) Singh, Jason (and Hannah) Fields, Jordan (and Summer) Fields, Carter Wilbanks, and Emmett Kennedy. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Missy Bell, and brothers Jim (and Marlene) Wilbanks and Joe Wilbanks.

Mike grew up in Stover, Missouri and moved to Lacon, Illinois to begin his career at B.F. Goodrich Company in 1974. He loved music and sang in church choir as well as weddings, funerals, and numerous other events. After retiring, he enjoyed spending his time fishing, camping, and tinkering in his garage. Family and friends will miss his great sense of humor and willingness to help others. Mike’s memory will live on throughout many silly stories, tall tales told to grandchildren, and his love of nature.