Lonnie Gene Banks Jr. Obituary (1962 - 2022)

Lonnie Gene Banks Jr, aged 60, passed away unexpectedly on December 25th, 2022, at Stormont Vail in Topeka, Kansas. Left to remember Lonnie's legacy is his father Lonnie Gene Banks Sr. and stepmother Marcia Banks; his siblings, Belinda Frierson, Anthony Banks, Marcia Banks-Braxton, Debra Banks-Hartke, Christina Jackson, and Rebecca Banks; his life partner, Joni Fitzpatrick. Also left to cherish his memory are his children Crystal Gibson, Gabriella Vega, Jessica Banks, Trevor Banks; stepsons, VaShawn Fitzpatrick and Micah Scott and a host of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Lonnie was born on July 31, 1962 to his mother Jessie Lucille Banks and his father Lonnie Gene Banks Sr. in Warrensburg, Missouri. While growing up in Topeka, Kansas he developed a natural talent and passion for the game of basketball. He loved to play and brag about how he was able to dunk by his freshman year in high school. He attended Highland Park High School where he excelled as a basketball player. After high school he enlisted in the Army from 1981-1983. He later honored his country by serving in the Army National Guard. He was Honorably Discharged for both terms of service. As he should be, he was beyond proud of that service. Lonnie excelled in everything he did. He was a positive role model in everyone's life in the way he spoke wisdom and brought energy to the party. He preached love, perseverance, and to never give up no matter what. Lonnie would give anyone the shirt off of his back in a heartbeat, without a doubt. He loved to cook, and he especially loved his family. Lonnie lived a long life. On the exact day that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was brought into this world, with the sole purpose of saving each of us, God called upon his name to come home. In no way shape or form is this a coincidence. Above all else, he was a man of God who preached love and wisdom. For that, there is no doubt he and his mother shared a long overdue embrace along with all of Lonnie's other loved ones who passed on too soon for us but right on Gods time. Lonnie is preceded by his mother Jessie Lucille Banks, his older sister Bonnie Banks as well as his grandmothers Lucy Mae Morgan and Florence Banks.