Lathan Banks (2-11-12)

JEFFERSON - Lathan Freeman Banks, 85, died Saturday, February 11, 2012.

Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Homer and Sally Fields Banks. He was retired from the Jefferson Mills after 45 years of service and was a retired farmer as well. He was a member of the White Plains Baptist Church. Mr. Banks was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Ivester; sisters, Frances Smith, KatherineAnne Banks; and brother, Darrell Banks.

Survivors include his wife, Clara Sykes Banks, Jefferson; daughters and son-in-law, Lynda Bruce and Donna and Randy Payton, all of Jefferson; sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Gail Banks, Jefferson, James and Debi Banks, Talmo; brother, Ray Banks, Jefferson; sisters, Shirley Wilson and Nancy McNeal, both of Hoschton; 13 Grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one soon to be great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 13, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Cary Pittman, Mr. Jeffrey Bell and Mr. Larry Banks officiating. The burial will follow in the White Plains Baptist Church Cemetery with Kyle Banks, Dusty Banks, Eddie Stoyle, Wesley Payton, Travis Payton and Chad Wehunt honored as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the White Plains Baptist Church Building Fund, 3650 Highway 124 West, Jefferson, GA 30549.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.