Terry Bankens

John Terrall “Terry” Bankens departed this life on November 10, 2020 to spend eternity with his Savior. He was known for his warm smile, fun-loving nature, generous heart, strong faith, and family devotion. Terry was an encourager who helped others believe in themselves and left a legacy of authentic love.

He was born on October 15, 1954 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Johnnie Matthew and Barbara Isdale Bankens. He was their third son, following his older brothers, Rodney and Charlie.  Terry and his brothers shared wonderful memories growing up together, working in their father’s garden, and spending time with their extended family in DeQuincy. Terry always spoke with admiration and respect for his parents and the life they provided.

As a child, he attended Westlake schools, graduating from Westlake High School in 1972.  He was a proud life-long citizen of Westlake and maintained treasured friendships with teachers and school friends.  Terry’s family knew that a quick trip to Market Basket with him would not be quick because he always met old friends and loved to visit.  He took a genuine interest in others’ lives, and he had a powerful talent for building meaningful relationships.  Terry had a way of even making new friends feel like family. When you left a visit with Terry, you were uplifted.

In 1976, Terry married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Rhonda Susan Creel Bankens. Terry and Susan were married for 44 years, and they placed their love for family and their love for God in the center of their lives.  They have three children: Lori Benoit, married to Derek Benoit; Jonathan Bankens, married to Charity Bankens; and Sarah Long, married to Landon Long.  They also have seven grandchildren: Daniel Benoit, John Benoit, Katie Bankens, Noah Bankens, Remington Long, Cohen Long, and Camden Long. 

Terry was so proud of his family, and he wholeheartedly supported them in all their endeavors.  He helped his children participate in 4-H, teaching them how to raise animals and bringing them to many livestock shows throughout the state.  He also organized family trips to go snow skiing and white water rafting, which brought him pure joy and gave his family such wonderful memories to cherish. He loved to take road trips with his family, especially if his grandchildren could ride along. Terry encouraged his children and grandchildren to participate in school and church activities, helping with their fundraisers and cheering on their success. He was also tremendously proud of his wife’s artistic gifts and always encouraged her to write, sing, and use her talents in church ministry. In every way, he was a devoted husband and father.

With his unique talent for developing and managing systems, Terry pursued several different business and industry paths. While attending McNeese State University after high school, Terry worked at Kroger. He excelled in this position, eventually becoming the youngest Kroger store manager at that time. He left that position to join a family business that would become one of the largest rental equipment companies in the region.  Recently, he was employed with WHC Energy Services, working along the Gulf Coast and in West Texas.  Terry’s keen attention to detail, meticulous organization, profound skill to develop systems, and unique ability to build relationships allowed him to pursue work he enjoyed, make meaningful contributions to local business and industry, and provide well for his family.

Terry was a faithful and prayerful man who loved his Pentecostal heritage.  For many years, he attended the First Pentecostal Church of Westlake where he served as Sunday School superintendent, organizing the curriculum and personnel to oversee a growing children’s ministry. For the past fifteen years, Terry has enjoyed being part of First Pentecostal Church of Lake Charles church family.  Throughout his life, he has been an outstanding bible study teacher, leading many to the Lord. One of his favorite ways to serve has been making financial donations to local ministries as well as foreign and home missions. Truly, only Heaven will tell of the fruit of his investment in the kingdom.

Terry’s faithful example of unconditional love was a testament to his walk with God. Some of his lasting mottos are, “Life is terrific,” “Life is too short to have a bad day,” “It’s time to shine,” and “No matter what the weather is, make sure own sunshine.” He loved us with everything in him, and he taught us how to love with that same intensity.

Terry is preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Matthew Bankens.  Left to cherish his memory are his family and dear extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. His pallbearers are his beloved nephews and friends: Robbie Bankens, Kevin Bankens, Jeffrey Bankens, Johnnie Bankens, Jared Bankens, Glyn Bogard, Chuck Huddleston, Andrew Queen, Tyson Queen, Kyle Queen, and Charlie Willis.

The celebration for Terry’s life will be on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at Apostolic Temple, 2711 West Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles. It will be officiated by Rev. Jeffrey Ralston, Rev. Rick Treece, Rev. Jonathan Bankens, and Rev. Landon Long. The visitation for family and friends will precede the service at 3:00 p.m.  Terry’s burial service will be on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Magnolia Cemetery in Westlake and will be officiated by Rev. Rodney Bankens.