Lawrence Arthur BANKS, 77, of Bisbee, Ariz., died at the Sierra Vista
Regional Health Center Jan. 27, 2001. In 1964, he was the first person
to survive the "Vineberg Surgery," a predecessor of the coronary bypass
surgery. Born Sept. 17, 1923, in Mapleton, he was the son of the late
Jay W. and Margaret (Jamison) Banks. On Nov. 12,1942, he married Kathryn
Ruth Jane Dillen in Hagerstown, Md. They celebrated nearly 60 years of
marriage. They moved from Huntingdon to Bisbee in 1957. Mrs. Banks died
June 21, 1999. Two daughters, Nina S. Graeme of Bisbee and Mrs. Gregory
(Barbara) Youngs of Silver City, New Mexico, survive, along with six
grandchildren. One son, Larry D. Banks, died aboard the USS Tripoli in
1974. Mr. Banks' twin brother, Clarence A. Banks of James Creek
survives, along with brothers Merrill Banks of Huntingdon, and Dallas
Jay Banks of Sierra Vista, Ariz. One sister, Lillian Sheasley of
Huntingdon, also survives. Mr. Banks attended the one-room school in
Mapleton until the eighth grade. Self-employed, he worked as a painter
and carpenter for many years. He was an employee of H.T. Reynolds and
worked as a janitor at the Smithfield School. While in Arizona, he
worked for Civil Service as a painter and carpenter for Fort Huachuca.
He retired at the age of 39. Mr. Banks always kept busy with different
projects, including making small pieces of furniture and museum-quality
doll houses. His creative ability was unique and his generosity to help
others was rare. His wry sense of humor and crooked smile will always be
remembered. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in
Bisbee. Funeral services were held in Bisbee Feb. 3.