Mike Bankson

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Michael Bankson, age 78, passed away at 4:50 pm, Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Westgate at the Wildwoods, Joplin, MO following an illness.

Mike was born April 4, 1945 in Joplin, MO. His parents were Robert E Lee and Imogene Bernice (Swager) Bankson. As a young boy, he traveled across the world as his dad was in the military. He lived most of his life in Galena and attended Galena schools

The past few years he extensively camped at Twin Bridges State Park at Grand Lake. He had worked several years at Tamko Roofing, Joplin, MO. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, gambling, and watching movies. He was an avid KC Chiefs fan, but his greatest joy was watching his grandkids activities.

Mike was married to Linda Faye Porter on February 28, 1973 in Miami, OK. She passed away March 27, 1996. His parents, and one sister, Patricia Lee Bankson also preceded him in death.

Surviving are two sons Danny Bankson (Stacy), Carl Junction, MO and Travis Bankson, Trenton, MO; one daughter, Crystal Bilke, Carthage, MO; 6 grandchildren, Alexis Bilke, Drew Bilke, Quinton Bankson, Hunter Bankson, Katie Bankson, and Nathan Bankson; three great-grandchildren, Darby Faye Bilke, Draco James Bilke, and Milly Jeanne Bilke; and a close friend, Anne Pendergraft, Miami, OK.

Mike was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS for cremation.