Carl Gene Banker of Hermiston died on June 6, 2023 in West Richland, Wash. at the age of 81.
He was born on Feb. 23, 1942 in Urbana, Mo. to John and Olive Bullard Banker.
Carl was raised and attended school in Stanfield. He graduated from Stanfield High School in the class of 1959. Carl attended Columbia Basin Community College and Brigham Young University. He married Dixie Giddens in March 1961 in Lewiston, Idaho. They lived in Provo, Utah before moving to Portland, where he was a teacher in public schools. They later moved to Eugene, where he earned his master’s in education from the University of Oregon. In 1966 they moved to Portland, where Carl was as a teacher and administrator. In 1980 they returned to Hermiston and operated the family business, Burnham’s Department Store, for several years. Later Carl earned his master’s in special education from Eastern Oregon University and became the director of special education in Umatilla for several years.
He enjoyed golfing, fishing, time with family, board games, playing dominos and traveling. Carl was most passionate about educating kids and especially enjoyed education and helping special needs kids. Carl served on the Hermiston City Council and was named Downtown Merchant of the Year several times.
He is survived by his sons, Greg Banker and his wife Laurie Lester-Banker, Asotin, Wash. and Ryan Banker and his wife Jen Banker, Mesa, Ariz.; daughter, Patricia Simon and her husband Shawn Simon, West Richland, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Teresa Banker, Hermiston; brother, Walt Banker and his wife Ruby Banker, The Dalles; sister, Nan Mattern, Cadiz, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Carol Banker, Auburn, Wash. and Helen Banker, Harrisonville, Mo.; grandchildren, Tyson, Tiffinie, Kristopher, Harli, Taylor, Jessica, Jennifer, Ashley, Dawn and Shawn; 14 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Dixie Banker; a son, Jon Banker; his parents; brothers, Jim, Robert, Don and Ed Banker; and sisters, Bernadine O’Neal and Jackie Collins.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1035 S.E. Ninth St., Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carl’s memory may be made to the Umatilla High School Special Education Department, or to Pet Rescue in care of Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, P.O. Box 289, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
To contribute to the Special Education Scholarship Fund, contributions can be sent to Sp Ed Scholarship Fund, Umatilla High School, 1400 Seventh St., Umatilla, Ore., 97882.
Please share memories of Carl with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
