- Date Of Birth: December 18, 1946
- Date Of Death: August 24, 2021
- State: Mississippi
Mr. Banks, 74, of Meridian, passed away Tuesday, August 24th at his residence. As Kem always said, once his mansion was painted and trimmed, he was ready to go to the Light of Heaven.
Kem was born in Omaha, NE December 18, 1946. He was raised as a Master Mason into Lodge 610 in Monticello, MS. He became a Shriner at Wahabi Temple in Jackson, MS later that year. Over the years, he was a member of several other Temples before moving to Meridian and becoming a member of Hamasa Temple, where he was Potentate in 2018. Also part of his Masonic life was membership in Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Meridian where he held many positions and currently Eminent Commander of York Rite No. 9 in Meridian. He was Worshipful Master at W.E. King Lodge 615 and E.J. Knox King Solomon Lodge 310. He was also Director of Jesters Court 147 Meridian for 2021.
Kem had many interests, such as hunting, woodworking, and history. His greatest joy came from helping with fundraising and transporting the children with medical needs to Shriners Hospital for Children.
He was also an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he worshiped for many years.
He is survived by his wife Sharon R. Banks. When asked how long he and Sharon were married, he always said, “Not long enough”. He is also survived by his daughters, Kelly and Niki; stepsons, Jeff Smith (Tiffany) and Jeremy Smith (Wendy); and grandchildren, Cassandra, Aiden, Trinity, Shay, Vinny, Corbin, and Avery. Every minute of every day, he was filled with the love of his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clement and Sylva Banks; sister, Elizabeth “Beth” Butler; and brother, Charles “Chuck” Banks.
