Joseph A. Bank

Joseph Anthony Bank, age 71, of Collinsville, IL formerly of Fairmont City, IL, born on November 25, 1946 in East St. Louis, IL, entered rest on July 2, 2018 at Anderson Hospital, Maryville, IL.  

Joseph was a 1966 graduate of Assumption High School, East St. Louis, IL.  He was a Sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Viet Nam War, doing time with Armed Forces Radio and TV.  Joseph was a lifetime member of the Air Force Sergeants Association.  Joseph retired from the Fairmont City Fire Department after almost 24 years, reaching the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. He also worked for the National City Fire Department for three years as a dispatcher and fire engineer.  Joseph was a retired member of the Illinois Fire Chief’s Association. 

He worked for various Ambulance Company as an EMT and was a chartered member of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.  Joseph was also a commissioned Deputy Coroner for two years under Coroner Jim Radden. 

Joseph also retired from Granite City Steel with over forty years of service at the Blast Furnace Power House.  He served as a member of Local 50 and the United Steelworkers Union.  During this time, he served as a former chief shop steward, newspaper editor, union trustee and former member of the labor management safety team.  He also was a PUFL member of the American Legion Post 365, Collinsville, IL and served twice as Vice Commander in 1986-1987.  Joseph was a dedicated St. Louis Ram’s football fan and loved indoor soccer.  He enjoyed his morning coffee with friends, camping and Sunday Bar-B-Que’s at his son’s home.  Joseph was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, USAF Retired Major, Carl George Bank and Marian Bank, nee Cook; his father-in-law, Robert Niehaus; and his nephew, Jonathan Bank.

Joseph is survived by his son, William Joseph (Chelsea) Bank of Collinsville, IL; his daughter, Kelly S. Lauman, nee Bank (Jim Dixon) of Manchester, MO; his grandchildren, Samantha, Stephen, Carly, Nicole, Connor, Logan, Jesse and Kayleigh; his great-grandchildren, Leo, Kaylee and Oliver; his sisters, Joyce (Frank) Ingram of Fairmont City, IL and Elizabeth Bridges of Camdenton, MO; his mother-in-law, Patricia Niehaus; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be taken at the funeral home for Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO, The Fairmont City Fire Department Equipment Fund, or to any no kill animal shelter. 

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd, Fairview Heights, IL. 

Funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2018. Interment will be in the Garden of Assurance, Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

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