Earnest Wilbanks

Earnest Hugh Wilbanks, Earnie to family and friends, was born in Corsicana, Texas on February 17, 1944 to Chester Hugh Wilbanks and Dorothy Dyer Wilbanks. He lived in Frost, Texas for many years attending Frost Elementary School. The family moved to Dallas and then eventually to Mesquite where he graduated in 1962 and left for the Air Force where he was stationed for 2 years at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth. It was there that he met Pat. A short time later they were married at Diamond Hill Methodist Church on November 2, 1963. Earnie and Pat came to live in Mesquite in 1975 after being in Little Rock, Arkansas and Enid, Oklahoma before he was transferred to the new Balch Springs K-Mart store where he was automotive manager for many years. Earnie opened and ran Dallas Tune Up Center and Car Care business in Highland Park for 12 years before joining First Extended Service Corporation and Aon Corporation where he was a Senior Claims Advisor. He loved working there and made life long friends. He was also a member of the B 58 Hustler Club through the Air Force. Earnie was a Past Exalted Ruler and Life Member of the Mesquite Elks Lodge 2404 where he was an active and involved member for over 40 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Dorothy Wilbanks, and sister, Sylvia Dawn. He is survived by wife of 61 years, Pat Buckalew Wilbanks, daughters, Tammy Iund and Kevin, Patrice Pool, Grandchildren, Ashley Sparks, Chris Pool and Jeremy, Amanda Ray and Patrick, Brittany Iund, Joseph Prosser and Sarah, Nicholas Chapman, Great-Grandchildren, Kyra, Owen, Landry, Sadie and Anna Grace, Jayden, and Kameron, sister, Darlene Mathews and beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all of the many friends and family that have extended their love and prayers during Earnie's illness.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 24,2025 in the chapel at New Hope funeral home with visitation one hour prior to service.