Loyal Lee Banks, age 82, of Washington, Iowa, died Monday, January 24, 2011, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City following a short illness.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 27, 2011 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington with Pastor Colton Clay officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will gather and receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. A general memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Loyal's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

Loyal was born May 28, 1928 in Washington County, Iowa the son of Floyd and Mary (White) Banks. He attended school in West Chester, Keota and Washington. On February 17, 1949 he was united in marriage to Jeanette Chalupa in Washington, Iowa. He lived all of his married life in Washington. Loyal worked as a mechanic for Mills Rambler. Loyal loved to tinker. He enjoyed racing and helping local racers.

Loyal is survived by his wife, Jeanette Banks of Washington; daughter, Shirley Sherman and husband Marion of Tracy, Iowa; son, Denny Banks of Washington; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and one brother Roger Banks of Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Paul Banks.