Robert Dale Banks

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[At 11:35 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2010, God sent His angels to accompany Robert Dale Banks, 72, to his heavenly home. His loved ones were by his side as he left this earth to be present with Christ. While there is much sadness and many tears being shed by his friends and loved ones, we must take comfort in knowing that there is much rejoicing in heaven as he joins his Savior and previously passed friends and loved ones.

Dale was born in Raleigh to Olan and Sarah (Wright) Banks. He served his country proudly as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps. He was a coal miner, retiring from the Amax Wabash Mine in Keensburg. He was also a long-time employee of Nuway Furniture in Eldorado. Dale was an avid golfer, fisherman and gardener. Dale was also a member of the Harvest Deliverance Church in Harrisburg.

At home, Dale is survived by his wife of 36 years, Melissa, and his special buddy Miles the Cat. Also surviving are three sons, Vince of Eldorado, Robert Jr. of Big Bear City, Calif. and Ken of Riverside, Calif.; two daughters, Cameron of Harrisburg and Gabrielle of Redlands, Calif.; a sister, Sharon Holmes of Shawneetown; and two brothers, Richard and Ralph of Eldorado. He has also been blessed with eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many special cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado. Services will then be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Ownly Williams officiating. Dale will then be laid to rest at Lindale Cemetery in Eldorado, with full military honors conducted by American Legion Post No. 169 of Eldorado.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Harvest Deliverance Food and Clothing Pantry, 38 S. Vine St., Harrisburg, Ill. 62946.