Christopher W. Banks

Christopher William Banks passed away in Traverse City, Michigan, on August 29, 2026, at the age of 43, surrounded by family and friends who loved him deeply. Chris was born on August 6, 1983, in Petoskey, Michigan, to Debbie Banks and Robert Bester.

Chris was a plumber by trade and a man who truly loved life. In his younger years, he loved riding motorcycles, bowling, and going to the club and dancing his heart out. Chris loved to laugh, have fun, and make memories with the people he loved. He lived with a strength and determination that became even more evident during the most difficult chapter of his life. When life gave him every reason to give up, Chris continued to fight with everything he had. As life changed and he became a father, so did the things that brought him the greatest happiness. Playing video games with his daughter, spending time at the gun range, laughing together, and simply being Dad became his life. Above everything else, Chris's greatest love and proudest accomplishment was his daughter, Brooklynn Banks, whom he shared with Annamarie Goodman. Brooklynn was his entire world - his pride and joy, his best friend, and, as he lovingly called her, his "most beautifulist baby girl." Their father-daughter friendship was truly unmatched. Of all the titles Chris held throughout his life, none meant more to him than Dad. His greatest hope was to watch Brooklynn grow, accomplish incredible things, and build a beautiful life for herself.

Chris leaves behind his beloved daughter, Brooklynn Banks; his mother, Debbie Banksmueller, and stepfather, E. Paul Mueller; his grandfather who raised him, William Orville Banks; his loving sister, Jennifer Banksmueller (Travis Moore); and his niece and nephews, Cheyanne, Damien, Jaxon, and Elijah. He also leaves behind many family members and friends who will forever carry his memory with them.

Chris was preceded in death by Robert Allen Bester (dad), LouAnne Banks (grandmother), Loretta Gofourth (grandmother), and Eddie Grubaugh (brother from another mother).

Those who knew Chris will remember his strength, his personality, his love for life, and his ability to have a good time. He will be remembered for fighting fiercely, loving deeply, and never losing sight of what mattered most to him. His time here was far too short, but the love he gave - especially to his daughter - will continue long beyond his lifetime.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Traverse City on September 27, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Encore 201, above Sparks BBQ, 201 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the life of a man who was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Brooklynn's college fund. One of Chris's greatest dreams was for his daughter to grow up, pursue her dreams, and someday do something "big and grand." Helping provide for her future is a beautiful way to honor the daddy who wanted nothing more than the very best for his little girl.

Chris may no longer be here to watch Brooklynn's story unfold, but his strength, his love for life, and most importantly, his unconditional love for his daughter will forever be his legacy. Rest peacefully, Chris. Your most important legacy will always be the daughter you loved more than anything in this world.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.