Marlene Kay (Walker) Banks

Marlene Kay Banks, 66, of Eldorado, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado. Marlene was born February 7, 1960, in Eldorado to the late Albert H. Walker and Goldie M. (Beavers) Walker. On December 31, 2022, she married Thomas W. “Tom” Banks, who survives. She was a devoted member of Star General Baptist Church in Eldorado and was actively involved in several community organizations, including By His Grace (formerly Saline County Outreach), For the Love of My Child, Star Youth, and was a lifetime member of the VFW. Marlene had a servant’s heart and found great joy in giving back to her community, but her greatest love was her family—especially her grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Tom, she is survived by three children: Joe (Karen) Walker of Eldorado, Katie Karns of Eldorado, and Bo (Candy) Prince of Edwardsport, Indiana; two brothers: Danny (Clarence) Walker of Eldorado and Albert (Debbie) Walker of Eldorado; her beloved grandchildren: Dallas Walker, Emily Davis, Keaton Karns, Kinsley Karns, Nathan Prince, Maeve Banks and Otto Banks; and two special aunts: Jan Rash of Eldorado and Maxine Willis of Harrisburg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son and daughter, Dallas Prince and Emily Prince, and her father, Neal Willis. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Star General Baptist Church, with Rev. Aaron Phelps officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Colonial Terrace Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Cave Hill Cemetery in Cave-in-Rock, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to By His Grace (formerly Saline County Outreach). Contributions will be accepted at the funeral home or the church. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com