Donnie Bankson

Donnie Bankson, 86, of Rockford passed away on December 20, 2013 in his home. Born October 15, 1927 in Rockford to Homer and Louella Bankson. He married Marilyn Foster on December 23, 1943. Donnie worked for 30 years at the City of Rockford Water Department as an engineer. Donnie's favorite things included billiards, water skiing and golfing and he was the best mechanic around.

Donnie leaves to cherish many loving memories, his wife of 68 years, Marilyn; daughters, Patricia Lamont and Sue Christiansen; grandchildren, Scott (Randae) Lamont, Tracey (Chris) Melcher, John Christiansen, Cathy (Jeff) Howard; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Howard, Kayla Christiansen, Nikki Christiansen, Hayden Melcher, Joseph Melcher and Thea Melcher. Predeceased by brothers, Billye, Elmo and Jack, sister, Shirley Madison, grandson, Jimmie Christiansen and son-in-law, Joe Christiansen. The Bankson Family would like to give a special thank you to all the doctors and nurses who cared for Donnie at Rockford Memorial Hospital, VNA Hospice and VNA Home Health Aide.

Per Donnie's wishes, private family services will take place and burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockford Rescue Mission. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, assisted the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgerald fh.com.