Frederick Calvin Banks was born to Clyde and Ruby Elizabeth (Kellogg) Banks in Council Grove Kansas April 18th, 1937. He went to school in Dwight Ks for 4 years. At which point Fredunderwent testing and his severe hearing loss was discovered. He then attended the Kansas State School for the Deaf. His oldest brother, Carroll was already attending there and looked out for his younger brother. Frederick was the third child of six; Mildred, Carroll, George, Larry, and Cheris. He grew up “poor” but rich in adventure. After graduating near the top of his class from KSD in 1956, he worked in various jobs before becoming a printer. From the Olathe Paper to the Manhattan Mercury, he landed eventually at the KC Star where he worked nights and retired in 1995.

On June 6, 1959 Fred married Zola “Barbara” Hamilton at First Presbyterian church in Olathe, KS. They joyfully welcomed a son, Christopher Hamilton Banks November 23, 1966. They built a house together at 565 W. Loula, and welcomed a daughter, Nancy Lisa, on November 25, 1969. They were married for 37 years. They divorced in 1996 and Frederick married Bonnie Seifert on December 21, 1996. They divorced in 2004.

Fred poured his energy, free time, and intellect into serving the deaf community in the greater KC area. He worked hard to educate and encourage schools and businesses to acquire communication devices necessary for the Deaf population. Endless hours were spent converting donated devices to work as TTYs for the deaf. Fred loved being on the cutting edge of technology for the Deaf for their improved communication. Frederick served in leadership for many years in various organizations for the deaf, MKTD, TDI. Etc. and received multiple awards for his service. One of his favorite pastimes was camping with his family in their RV, and with the Flying Hands Chapter, the first chapter consisting of Deaf Campers in the Good Sam Club.

Fred lived the last eight years of his life in Manhattan, Kansas near his daughter’s family. Wednesday lunches together with grandchildren were the highlight of his week. Those who were blessed to know Fred appreciated his quick wit, listening ear and wise counsel.

Frederick Calvin Banks passed peacefully on September 7, 2026, at the age of 89. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, and first wife. 

He leaves behind his children; son Christopher (Shelly) Banks, his daughter Nancy (Daniel) Swihart, 9 grandchildren, Emmaline (Sam) Cook, Ezekiel (Jena) Swihart, Lillian (Shiloh) Brock, Josiah (Hali) Swihart, Elsie (Malachi) Toth, Hezekiah Swihart, Obadiah Swihart, Malachi Swihart, Elliana Swihart and 16 great-grandchildren.