David Aaron Banko Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dave Banko, 71, of Peoria passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022. “Banko wants to gain weight” ran the headline in the Canton Daily Ledger’s sports page on August 5, 1971. The article detailed the efforts of Dave Banko, local sports legend, to put on an extra twenty pounds to impress those scouts looking to draft him for a post-collegiate baseball career. He did eventually gain those twenty pounds—not during his what-seemed-inevitable-at-that-point professional baseball career—but instead during what turned out to be his true calling in life: raising three sons, Christopher, David and Ryan, of whom he was immensely proud, golfing often with his many friends, collecting trophies from amateur golf tournaments across the country, remotely coaching the Yankees (mostly unsuccessfully) and teaching (Springlake Elementary and Illini Bluffs Schools). Dave always knew that the Earth would not be his final home and, in later years, looked forward to being reunited with his parents, Henry and Lida, whom he missed greatly. Those he left behind also look forward to seeing him again one day, including his three sons, Christopher (and Christine) Quick of Gilbert, David Banko of Phoenix and Ryan Banko of Peoria; three grandchildren, Malyk, Hadley and Harper; Darren (and Angie) Banko of Muscatine; Jack (and Kay) Myers of Davenport, Florida; Mary Preece of Peoria; and many others. A graveside service for former teammates and rivals, golf buddies, close friends and all family will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at Greenwood Cemetery. Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

David Aaron Banko

May 1, 1950 - April 7, 2022