John Kenneth "Voo" Banks, 77, of Palm Harbor, FL, formerly of Steubenville and Cadiz, OH, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, at Forbes Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on March 23, 1949, in Martins Ferry, OH, John was the son of the late John Kenneth Banks Sr. and Katherine Jackson Banks.

John was a proud graduate of Hopedale High School and a proud American who honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from August 18, 1969, until June 11, 1971. As a Purple Heart recipient, he carried the scars of war with quiet strength and unwavering resilience.

A man of deep faith and strong values, John was a member of St. James AME Church in Cadiz, OH, the United Steelworkers of America, and American Legion Post 682. Before retirement, he worked in the Plant Protection Department at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel and later at Trinity Hospital, where he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of those who worked alongside him.

To know John was to know his love for family, sports, and people. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, offering encouragement when it was needed most, and sharing stories that could keep a room laughing for hours. Whether he was sitting in the stands, watching a game on television, or talking sports with friends, his passion was unmistakable.

Sports were not just something John enjoyed—they were a way of life. A talented multi-sport athlete in his younger years, he devoted more than 30 years to coaching youth sports throughout Wintersville and Steubenville. Through the Steubenville Little League and Babe Ruth organizations, Coach Banks became a fixture in the community and a role model to countless young athletes.

To the players he coached, he was far more than a coach. He taught life lessons disguised as baseball lessons. He taught accountability, hard work, respect, perseverance, and how to carry yourself with pride. He celebrated victories, helped kids through defeats, and never stopped believing in the potential of the young people who crossed his path. Generations of players grew into fathers, mothers, coaches, and community leaders carrying lessons they first learned from Coach Banks. His impact extended far beyond the ball field and into the hearts of families throughout the Ohio Valley.

John was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Steelers, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Los Angeles Lakers. He admired athletes whose determination and excellence reflected the values he believed in, including Derek Jeter, Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Greg Lloyd, and Magic Johnson.

Of all the roles John held throughout his life, none meant more to him than being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Wilma Louise Banks.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 33 years, Cathy Banks, whom he married on December 30, 1993. Together they built a life centered around love, family, and unwavering support for one another.

He is lovingly survived by his children: Jordan (Kayla) Banks, Sydney (Tyler Stagani) Banks, John (LaTisha Shackleford) Banks, Andrea (Daniel Hinshaw) Raimey, and Angela (Victor) Banks-Mason.

His greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren: Emersyn Banks, Raelyn Banks, Tierra Banks, Na'auja Banks, Raven Banks, and Nia Stinson.

He was also blessed to be a great-grandfather to Nasir Dye and Ava Dobbins.

John was deeply loved by a large extended family and many close friends. He leaves behind cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones who will greatly miss his presence, guidance, and unwavering love.

While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that John's legacy lives on through the family he adored, the athletes he mentored, the friendships he cherished, and the countless lives he touched. His strength, wisdom, sense of humor, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

The measure of a life is not found in the years we live, but in the lives we impact. By that measure, John Kenneth "Voo" Banks lived an extraordinary life.

Until we meet again.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 21 from 2 pm to 5 pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto. Services for John will take place at 4:30 pm with Military Honors to follow by the Toronto American Legion Post #86.

A Celebration of Life, to follow the services, will be held at the Toronto American Legion Hall 415 Market Street in Toronto.