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Alex Banks, CCC
From Calobe Jackson, Jr., January 25, 2006
Check the obituaries for Alexander Banks, in today's Patriot-News. He was one of last surviving black CCC workers that I know of. Also he shared much of Harrisburg history with me. He will be missed.
Calobe Jackson
Obituary for Alexander Banks
Harrisburg Patriot-News, January 25, 2006.
Alexander Banks, 85, of Harrisburg, entered into rest at Colonial Park Care Center on Tuesday, January 24, 2006. He was born in Harrisburg, PA on August 11, 1920, to the late Reverend Alfred Banks, Sr., and Ella Jenkins-Doyle Banks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twelve siblings, Jack Banks, Alfred Banks, Jr., Oscar Banks, Ferdinand Banks, Leroy Banks, Harry Banks, Ada Walker, Lala Clark, Ida Jones, Isabella Banks, Rosie Black and Martha Frye.
Mr. Banks received his education in the Susquehanna School District where he ran track. At 18 years of age he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he helped build the walkways on the Big and Little Roundtops in the Gettysburg National Park. Out of the $30.00 he earned monthly, he sent $22.00 home to help support his mother and family.
Mr. Banks was a World War II U.S. Army Veteran, who served in Japan. He was a Past Post Commander of Ephraim Slaughter American Legion Post #733, and a former brother of the PHA-Chosen Friends Lodge #43 of the Masonic Order. He retired from the Mechanicsburg Naval Supply Depot and after retirement he continued to work by maintaining the grounds at the River House Apartments up until he he became ill.
Mr. Banks loved life and had a special knack for making people laugh. He also enjoyed playing pinochle and watching his favorite football team, the Nittany Lions and coach JoePa.
He leaves to celebrate his life, two step-children, Tommy and Lorraine Motes; a host of special nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. Graveside services will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Friday, January 27, 2006 at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Willie E. Lewis officiating. A memorial service will be conducted at 514 Ryan Drive, Harrisburg, PA, directly following the committal service.
Services are being provided by the Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home, Inc., 2100 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA. For those who would like to attend the graveside service, please meet at the funeral home no later than 10:15 a.m.
pennlive.com/obits