Robert Faust Banks
1934-2026
Robert Faust Banks, age 92, of Winchester, Va., formerly of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Bob was born on May 13, 1934, in Mount Union, Pa. He was the son of Robert Newton Banks and Charlotte Zerbe Banks of Mount Union, Pa. He was also the brother of Nancy Jo Banks.
He was married to his wife Janie Marie Banks for 63 years. Bob was a family-oriented person his entire life. He was a loving father to David Brian Banks (Paula), Michael Ray Banks (Elizabeth), and the late Robert Benner Banks (Jennifer). He cherished the role of grandfather to his grandchildren Tara Elizabeth Payton (Lee), Corey James Banks (Kenzie), Kathryn Taylor Lackey (Ayden), Alex Ellen Banks, and Karalyne Elizabeth Banks and great-grandchildren Quinn Marie Banks, Isla Jane Banks, Anna Grace Payton and Steven Lee Payton.
Bob’s strong faith was exemplified throughout his life. Those around him knew he loved to express his faith through singing and music.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Nancy, his wife Janie, and his son Robert.
Bob grew up in Mount Union, Pa. and graduated from Captain Jack Joint High School in 1952. He graduated from Penn State University with a Business Administration degree in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army, including being stationed in Korea.
On June 16, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Janie. They had three sons together. He worked at PGS (U.S. Silica), moving to Berkeley Springs, W.Va. in 1967. He served in the accounting department for 31 years.
He was a selfless member of the Berkeley Springs Community. Bob loved to sing and was a member of various local choirs. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Berkeley Springs and attended Union Chapel United Methodist Church later in his life.
His devotion to Berkeley Springs athletics was unmatched. Whether you needed a volunteer for the concession stand, an organizer for events, or a fan in the stands, he was always ready to step up and help in any way he was needed. He helped coordinate the creation of the track and softball field in front of Widmyer Elementary school and was an advocate for youth sports of all kinds. He was also the director of Morgan County Parks and Recreation and was a member of the board at War Memorial Hospital for many years.
He was well known in the community as a selfless giver throughout his entire life. While his community saw a dedication to his work and giving back, his family saw a dedication to compassion, kindness, and in his words, tomfoolery.
Formally known as Pappy Bob, he could always be found outside shooting hoops with his sons, meticulously mowing his lawn, building Lincoln-log towers with his grandkids, or telling stories in the living room while his granddaughters played hair salon with him as the customer. He put his family first in all that he did.
The family will receive visitors from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 14, at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. A second visiting hour session will be held on Saturday, August 15 from 10-11 a.m. at Union Chapel United Methodist Church. A celebration of life service will be held at Union Chapel United Methodist Church on Saturday August 15 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Berkeley Springs Athletic Boosters in memory of Robert Banks. Checks can be made payable to the BSHS Athletic Boosters and sent to 149 Concord Avenue, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
