Columbus, OH — Les E. Banks, 84, of Belvidere, Ill., died Nov. 28, 2023.

Les E. Banks, 84, died Nov. 28, 2023. Provided photo.

He was born Aug. 13, 1939, in Cherry Valley, Ill., where he was raised. The son of Glenn and Ethel (Schoonmaker) Banks, he married Jean M. Schalla on Dec. 26, 1970, in Moline, Ill.

He was a member of the Cherry Valley Cub Scout & Boy Scouts. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-60.

Mr. Banks was a member of the USTA from 1960-2022. He was the owner, trainer and driver of Standardbreds, along with having a horse dentistry business.

The former president of Illinois Auctioneers Association, he owned Illini Ambulance & Oxygen Company in East Moline for numerous years and established a highly successful business called “Illini Cash Advance.”

Over the years Mr. Banks lived in the Quad Cities area, Aurora, Plainfield and Sandwich, where he ultimately spent the last 60 years.

In his downtime he enjoyed reading biographies. Most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Rodney, Jay (Linda) Leonard, Scott, Gay (George) Leonard, Rhonda (Lonnie) Newton, Frank (Mary Beth), Jody (Ronda) Leonard and Raymond; brother, Dwight (Teri); 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 48 years, Jean; daughter, Patty; sister, Benita Yunek; and brother, Stanley.

Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday (Dec. 3) at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, Ill. Funeral service will be at 5 p.m. following the visitation with Pastor Derek Johnsen officiating. Graveside will be on Monday (Dec. 4) at 10:30 a.m. at Flora Cemetery in Cherry Valley, Ill.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cherry Valley Methodist Church.

For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com.