Charles William Banks

Charles William Banks, resident of Grand Junction, Colorado, died October 25, 2023, at age 81 from complications due to ALS. 

Born September 1, 1942, in Sherman, Texas, he was the son of JB Banks and Lucille Smallwood nee Cummings.  

After graduating from Sherman High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He scored so well on his vocational aptitude test that he was assigned as a radio technician working with high altitude research balloons in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Following his years in the Air Force, he worked in Civil Service at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He also owned his own handyman business and was an electrician.  

Charles married Noel (Tina) Phillips and they were married for 34 years before her passing. They had one daughter, Tiffany.  

In 2002, he married Toni Karver. They enjoyed riding their Harleys together, taking trips across the country with her granddaughter Kayla, whom he helped raise from the time she was 8 years old.   

Charles was a quiet man who was devoted to his family. Along with his motorcycle, he loved to fish and cook. In Albuquerque, he mentored young campers at Shady Lakes and taught them how to fish.  

Charles was preceded in death by his father JB Banks; mother and stepfather Lucille and Bill Smallwood; and late wife Tina Banks.   

He is survived by his wife of 21 years Toni Karver; daughter Tiffany Fuchs and grandchildren Chloe, Cayden, & Grace; brother Don Smallwood; sister Brenda Ragland; stepson and family David, Xuan, Haley, Kara & Lauren Ratcliff; Kayla Ratcliff who was like a daughter to him; stepdaughter and family Katherine, Marty, Parker and Grayson Rainville, M. Elijah Zielinski, and Ashton Shewmaker.   

Charles made the noble decision to become an organ donor and he will be truly missed by his family and friends. 

Memorial Services will be held at a later date in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the ALS Association.