Wayne E. ‘Buzz’ Banks, 100, passed away Jan. 17, 2026, at River Bend Assisted Living, in Great Bend, Kan. He was born April 27, 1925, in Hoisington, to Clarence and Ruth (Moore) Banks. Buzz married Betty L. Clawson on May 22, 1955, at First United Methodist Church in Great Bend. She passed away on Dec. 25, 2020.
Buzz graduated from Hoisington High School and enlisted in the Army in 1943. He received the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice while serving in the south Pacific during World War II. He returned to Hoisington in 1946, until 1955 when he and Betty made Great Bend their home.
Buzz worked for Semco Manufacturing Co., Inc. as Assistant Manager for over 24 years until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, past Master with Hoisington Masonic Lodge 33, Isis Shrine, Wichita Scottish Rite, Elks Lodge 1127, American Legion #180, VFW Post 3111, and DAV Chapter 27. Buzz enjoyed many years of officiating basketball and football on the high school and college level, building many long-lasting relationships. Together, Betty and Buzz loved to polka dance and became founding members of Sunflower Polka Club where they taught dance lessons from their home.
Survivors include sons, James Banks Jasnoski and his wife Trish of Wichita; daughter, Mary Grecerson and her husband Chris of Leavenworth; seven grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved bride of 65 years; sons, Jerry Banks Jasnoski and David Wayne Banks; brother, Bill Banks; and sister, Betty Nelson.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, Great Bend, with Military Rites conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard and Masonic Rites, with Reverend Robert Selvakumar and Reverend Gary Brooks presiding. Private interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be available from noon to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, with family receiving from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designation to First United Methodist Church or the DAV, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 20, 2026
