William Arthur Banks Jr.

William Arthur Banks, Jr. of Fredericktown, Missouri, passed away April 26, 2023 in Farmington, Missouri at the age of ninety-one years.  He was born January 14, 1932 in Greenville, Missouri, the son of the late William Arthur Banks, Sr. and Mabel Evelyn (Hinch) Banks.

Bill, as he was known to everyone, was a graduate of Piedmont High School.  He attended the University of Missouri Columbia and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. Bill worked for Standard Oil Company for twelve years.  For most of his life (41 years) he was the owner of multiple car dealerships.

On October 20, 1951 he was united in marriage to Jo Ann English and she survives.   They are the parents of two children: Mary Jo Jenson (Jeff) of Fredericktown, Missouri, and William “Chip” Arthur Banks, III (Cindi) of DuQuion, Illinois.  He is also survived by his sister; Evelyn “Evie” Banks (Rich Hart) of Chesterfield, Missouri and three grandchildren; William Arthur Banks IV, Reed Jenson (Marissa), Ellie Stonecipher (Zach), and two step grandchildren; Chad Carroll and Raylee Carroll, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Bill was a member of the Fredericktown United Methodist Church.  He was a member of Fredericktown Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Farmington Elks Lodge, and the Missouri Auto Dealers Association. He served on the New Era Bank Board for many years. Bill loved Mizzou football and traveling.  He was a classic car enthusiast.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at the Fredericktown United Methodist Church.  Visitation began at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service.  Interment was in the Piedmont Masonic Cemetery.  The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers and memorials can be made to the Fredericktown United Methodist Church or the Fredericktown R-1 Foundation.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brysonfuneralhome.com.