Melvin LeRoy Banks, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed member of the Green River community, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, at the age of 81.
Melvin was born on March 10, 1945, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Walter Banks and Mariam Tanner Banks. He spent his early years in Granger and was a 1963 graduate of Lincoln High School.
On February 6, 1965, Melvin married his sweetheart, Sandra Parsons. Together, they moved to Green River and built a loving family and cherished life full of shared adventures and memories in the community they adored.
Melvin dedicated over four decades to a career in surface maintenance with OCI, retiring in 2007 after 41 years of exemplary service. He also served his country honorably as a member of Wyoming National Guard.
A man of many talents and interests, Melvin was a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 2350, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Rock Springs Horseshoe Club. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, throwing horseshoes, rock hunting in the desert, camping, fishing, and hunting. Melvin’s playful spirit was evident as he loved to give every single person he knew a hard time, always in good fun. He enjoyed bowling, spending cherished time with his family, and playing poker with his friends on Wednesday nights.
Melvin expressed his artistic flair through welding, crafting unique figures from horseshoes and other materials. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball and basketball.
Melvin is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra of Green River; two sons, Michael Banks and his wife Sarah, and Kevin Banks and his wife Lisa, all of Green River. He leaves behind a brother, Gene Banks and his wife Nikki of Big Piney, Wyoming; a sister, Marilyn Charles of Lyman, Wyoming; two brothers-in-law, Gail Parsons; Gary Parsons and wife Cheryl; four grandchildren, Orin, Kasey, Chad, and Katie; along with eight great-grandchildren. Melvin is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his maternal and paternal grandparents, his mother and father-in-law, his brother-in-law Robert Charles, and his sister-in-law Terri Parsons.
Melvin’s life was one of generosity, humor, and a deep passion for his family and friends. He leaves a legacy of love and laughter and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 900 Hitching Post Drive, Green River, Wyoming. Graveside services and inurnment will be in Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to services.
Family and friends are invited to leave condolences at www.vasefuneralhomes.com.
The family respectfully requests donations in Melvin’s memory be made to Fraternal Order of Eagles #2350 Scholarship Fund, 88 N 2nd East Street, Green River, Wyoming 82935.
May his memory be a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know him.
