John Cooke Banks

John Cooke Banks, 92, of Amarillo, Texas passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025.

Memorial services will be at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

John was born in Lubbock, Texas on December 5, 1932, to William Banks & Allie Banks, who he affectionately called "George".

He attended Baylor University and Texas Tech University. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He worked in the auto parts industry most of his life and owned Smyth Auto Supply in downtown Amarillo until 2005. Even in his last days, he was shouting out part numbers in his sleep.

Oftentimes, you could find him sitting in his chair enjoying some of his favorite things:

Dallas Cowboys football games, Texas Ranger baseball games, Nascar races, and of course Coors Original and unfiltered Camel cigarettes. ©

He was known simply as PawPaw to all of his grandkids, great grandkids, and pretty much anybody else they introduced to him. Though he was a man of few words, he had a way of making everyone feel loved and welcomed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Buddy and Frank, Peggy, his wife of 43 years until her passing in 2003; his daughters, Debi & Angela, and grandson, Cody.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife of 13 years, Linda, son Rock and wife Veann, his grandchildren, Marri, BriAnna and husband Chris, Rachel and husband Eliseo, Sabrina and husband Chris, Lucas, Brittney and husband Chris, and Rock Jr; twenty great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

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