John J. Bankes

John J. “Jack” Bankes 77 of E. Vondersmith Ave., Bedford, died Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Homewood Nursing Home in Martinsburg.  He was  born April 15, 1930 in Bedford, son of the late John and Olive R. (Crissman) Bankes.  On September 16, 1951 in Bedford he married Mary Pearl Anderson who survives along with a son Joseph Bankes married to the former Nanette Boudreau and children Jocelyn wife of Joshua McCorkle, John D. Bankes and Fiancée Ashley Roy and Joette Bankes. A daughter Julie wife of Terry Dibert and children Jaclyn, Justin and Jenna all of Bedford.

Mr. Bankes was a graduate of  Bedford High School class of 1948 and played football for the undefeated team.  He was a Korean Navy Veteran who served on the Battleship Wisconsin.  He was a member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church where he had served as an elder and Deacon. He worked as a rural letter carrier for 30 years, working out of the Bedford Post Office. He was a member of the Rural Letter Carriers Assoc., a board member of Bedford Cemetery Assoc., a member of the Bedford American Legion Post 113, the Bedford VFW and a former member of the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  He was a member of the Bedford Fire Department for 54 years and served as Chief from1978-80. He was a member of the Central District Volunteer Fireman’s Assoc and the County Fireman’s Assoc.

Funeral services: Wednesday at 11:00 am in the Chapel at Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford with Rev. Doug Friant officiating.  Burial in Bedford Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the funeral home.  Those wishing may make contributions to the Bedford Presbyterian Church, 145 S. Juliana St., Bedford, or the Bedford Fire Department, 244 W. Penn St., Bedford in his memory.  Our online guest book is available at wwwberkebilefuneralhome.com.