Ronald Eugene Banks

Ron sailed away to his final home port in the arms of our Lord on July 8, 2024. He was born to Feldon and Christine Banks in Coyville, Kansas on September 6, 1940. After graduating from Wichita High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 1, 1958, the start of a long and successful career as a machinist's mate in the submarine force, where he maintained the subs' nuclear power plants. He visited 42 countries and played softball at the North Pole.

In 1977 he became Chief Recruiter at Naval Recruiting District San Francisco. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Charlene Tefft, who was also a Navy Recruiter, and they were married on July 4, 1981 in Porterville, California. Having attained the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer he retired from the Navy and the couple moved to Orofino, Idaho. Ron graduated Summa cum Laude from Lewis Clark State college with a bachelor's degree in social studies and secondary education. He then taught social studies at Craigmont High School in Craigmont, Idaho, retiring in 2002.

Ron loved the outdoors, and especially enjoyed fly fishing on the Northfork of the Clearwater River (of course he tied his own flies!). He was an avid reader and was proud of his extensive library. He had a beautiful smile and an amazing sense of humor, both of which he maintained until the end. After 40 years in Idaho, with Ron's health declining, the couple moved to Arizona to be near Charlene's family. 

Ron is survived by the love of his life and loving wife of 43 years, Charlene, of Thatcher; uncle Guy Cooley of Sonora, California, brother-in-law Roy (LouAnn) Tefft of Sebring, Florida, and sister-in-law Diane (Carl A.) Tefft of Safford. He is also survived by niece Carey (Bobby) Waters of Newberry Springs, California, Carl C. (Susan) Tefft of Thatcher, niece Brenda (Jason) Roach of Safford, Kelly (Joe ) Bowling of Lusby, Maryland, and Charles (Jeannie) Tefft of Brookings, South Dakota. Other survivors include great nephews and nieces Cody (Lyndse) Reed, Kayla Watts, Gage Watts, James Tefft, Alexis Moeller, and Alissa Tefft (also known as the other half of the dynamic Duo and "partner in crime"), as well as several great-great nieces and nephews. Also left behind and missing him terribly are his fur babies Chief and Scout. He was preceded in death by brother-in-law Carl A. Tefft, brother Leon Selanders, and aunt June Cooley. 

A memorial service with Military honors will be held at 1:00 on Monday, July 15 at McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Home in Safford. 

Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory located at 112 E Main Street, Safford, Arizona.  928-428-1740