R. Clifford “Buzzy” Banks

R. Clifford Banks, known to friends and family alike as “Buzzy”, passed away peacefully in his home on May 11 at the age of 103. He was born in 1917 in Kansas City Missouri to Rufus Clifford Banks and Jessie Marie Odell.

Buzzy graduated from University of Kansas as a pre-med major.   While in college he joined the United States Marine Corp (USMC) reserve as a Private First Class in 1939.  With the advent of war brewing in Europe instead of entering medical school, in August 1940 he was honorably discharged to accept a commission as a second Lieutenant in the USMC.   After training at Miramar Naval Air station in San Diego, he became a Naval Aviator in September 1942 and was soon deployed to the Pacific Theatre where he served as a transport pilot until the end of the war. He then joined USMC reserves and ultimately became the commanding officer of the Midland detachment and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1972.

He met his first wife, Lucile Halsell Combs, in 1940, and they were married a few years later.  After the war they settled in Fort Worth Texas where his son Richard C. Banks was born in 1947 followed by his daughter Mary H Banks in 1951.  In 1952 Lucile and Buzzy were divorced.  He reconnected with the also newly divorced Jean McIntyre whom he had met during the war in California.  In 1953 he married his beloved Jean and moved to Midland with her two children Charles Gilbert and Ann Gilbert to enter the newly booming oil industry. He was a devoted husband to Jean for 65 years, loving stepfather to Chuck and Ann, and supportive and loving father to Rick and Mary. He worked as an independent oilman well into his 90’s until his longtime assistant Wyoma Whitlow passed away peacefully at age 84 in 2013.

Buzzy was an outstanding athlete and shared a love of fishing, helicopter skiing, camping, dancing, travel, golf and tennis with Jean. The Midland Country Club (MCC) recognized his years of devotion to golf by making him an honorary member, an honor he shared only with President George Bush. He was also a honorary member of the Midland Racquet Club where he played tennis into his 90’s.  He was most proud of the two hole-in-one plaques earned at MCC. He continued playing golf into his 100’s.  He was also an avid tennis player and continued participation until he was no longer able to find partners well into his 90s.  Buzzy was an avid and gifted skier; taking on the challenge of the most difficult ski areas and trails he could find; he continued that pursuit into his 90’s with wearing a helmet being the only concession to his age. He loved gardening and was still working in his yard and greenhouse after turning 100. Until a few weeks before his death, he could be seen walking a mile every day through his neighborhood.

Buzzy served his community by service to the Red Cross and other civic associations.  He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for almost 70 years.  He is survived by his son Richard Banks, Charles Gilbert, his daughter Ann Gilbert Wylie, 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Jean McIntyre Banks and Mary Halsell Banks Leonard preceded him in death.  The family is very grateful for the care provided Buzzy by his loving “girls”, Mary, Cecilia, OT, and Danielle.  We could not have asked for a more loving and caring group of women.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Midland Memorial Foundation.

A celebration of RC Banks’s life will be held on Thursday May 27^th at 10:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church Midland, 800 W. Texas Avenue Midland, Texas 79701.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.