Donald Ray Banes

Donald Ray Banes, 70, of New Athens, IL, passed away on Thursday July 14, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks VA Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Donald was born on March 8, 1952, in St. Louis, MO to Henry and Rose Banes, nee Vlasik and they precede him in death. Donald was also preceded in death by his brothers; Robert and Jerry Banes and a sister, Rosalee Stork, nee Banes, and his in-laws, Edward and Mary Jean Nolte.

Donald proudly served his country during the Vietnam Era in the United States Army. He was an avid outdoorsman. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing with his boys and going squirrel and deer hunting. Donald also loved music, especially Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and lots of classic rock. He loved watching sci-fi tv shows, a good cup of coffee and he loved to cook. One of his greatest joys was feeding everyone. Most of all, Donald love spending time with his friends and family, and he will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Mary Ellen Banes, nee Nolte, whom he married on October 30, 1989, in Belleville, IL. His children, Tim (Crystal) Nolte and Kyle (Renee) Nolte, his siblings: Carol, Barbara, Vickie, John and Henry, his grandchildren, Shylah “Taku” and Ashlyn Nolte in addition to extended family and many beloved friends.

Donald will be laid to rest with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO on Tuesday August 2, 2022, at 1:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.wounderwarrior.org.