John F "Fred" Wilbanks
March 26, 1953 ~ October 19, 2013
LINDEN TX On Saturday, October 19th, 2013 Fred Wilbanks went to be with the Lord. He was an active member of First Baptist Church Linden where he served as a deacon and enjoyed the fellowship of his Sunday School class each week. He owned and operated Wilbanks Insurance Agency for 27 years, and he had worked as a registered professional petroleum landman for the past eight years. He was a member of AAPL and ETAPL. He previously served as interim mayor for the city of Linden as well as serving on the city council. He was a strong advocate of volunteerism. He enjoyed camping, backpacking, and being outdoors. He loved his Lord, his family, and his friends. Fred is survived by his wife, Becky Wilbanks, of Linden; one son and daughter-in-law, John Bryant and Allison Wilbanks, of Mansfield, Tx; one daughter, Jordan Wilbanks, of Tyler, Tx.; his mother, LaWana Wilbanks, of Linden; two sisters and brother-in-laws, Freida and Billy Fitts, of Linden, Tx., and Wanda and Keith Delacerda, of Morrilton, Ar.; one brother and sister-in-law, Marcus and Rita Wilbanks, of San Antonio, Tx.; mother and father-in-law, J.B. and Betty Hicks, of Lindale, Tx.; sister-in-law, Gay Pyland and husband Phillip, of Lindale, Tx.; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews. Funeral services will be at 2:00pm Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at The First Baptist Church in Linden with Bro. Jackie Stanfield officiating. Interment will follow in Linden Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7:30 Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the general fund of FBC Linden (P.O. Box 179, Linden, Texas 75563) or the Highway 80 Rescue Mission in Longview, Texas (P.O. Box 3223, Longview, TX 75604).
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BECKY I AM SO SORRY BUT YOY KNOW FRED LOVED YOU AND THE KIDS VERY MUCH BE STRONG LOVE YALL
Freddy was a great person when we were in school very nice person so sorry Frieda and Markus and wife and children , My husband and I are moving back to Linden and will sorry I will not see Freddy he always had that wonderful shy smile
To the Wilbanks FamilyYou are all in my thoughts and prayers. I know that Freddie was welcomed with open arms by Elmer and Marion and Joe and Margaret. Elaine
My deepest sympathy to the family of my cousin Fred. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bless you all during this difficult time.Kay Stanley DennisLas Vegas, NV
Beck, Fredia, Wanda,My prayers are with you during this time of loss.Fred was a wonderful person.Remember the memories you have of him. May God'slove and grace help you during this time of your grief.Nancy Belford
Becky, My heart goes out to you and your family. I realize that words cannot begin to ease the loss you feel. But the knowledge that Fred is with His Savior is a comfort, no more pain. My prayers will go up to our Heavenly Father to hold you in his arms and give you strength. Love you, Donna
All of your are on our hearts and in our prayers.We love you!
I always thought so much of Freddie (that's how I knew him). He was a wonderful Sunday school teacher and someone to model one's life after. I will pray the Lord help his family through this time of grief. He is in a better place.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Fred was such a great man to know, I will always hear his laugh, and see his smile , and will always remember the influence that he had on such a positive life. Prayers to you Becky and the kids and the rest of the family.
Sorry for your loss
Becky, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart certainly goes out to you sweet friend. I pray the Lord comfort you and your family in the days ahead. God bless you Becky, I love you.
Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the most difficult days to come. May the sweet comfort of Jesus bless you with His perfect peace as you share precious memories of Fred.
So sorry to hear this Becky. Will be praying for your strength. Love you girl! From the couple of times I saw Fred, I immediately knew he was a man of God!
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. He was a wonderful man and there is reassurance in knowing you will see him again.
Dear Becky and Family,I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to the family. He was such a sweet person & classmate.
Becky, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
To the entire Wilbanks family,Needless to say, the Linden community lost a model citizen. Freddie was an inspiration to everyone. His faith in his Lord will be the source of your strength in the days and months ahead. I know the entire Baldwin/Braswell clan are better people for having known such a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.Carolyn FosterMills County Clerk
Fred was a wonderful man. He will be missed here on Earth but Heaven has gained an angel. My prayers are with the family.
WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Fred was one of the nicest and most genuine persons I have ever met. It was always a pleasure to see him throughout the years. I pray God comfort you all during your time of grief.
Our condolences on the loss of Mr. Fred. He was a true friend of mine and a fine man. I have known him since he worked at Allen-Bros. as he was starting out as a young man. He was always very courteous. Then later in life I ran several Wildflower 5K's with him and he was a very good runner. The last race at the Wildflower run he fired the starter gun to send runners on their way. Afterwards I talked with him and could tell he was having considerable health problems but he never complained. He just continued to pursue in life and had the best outlook. Fred has always worn a HALO and is now in care of a SUPREME BEING. Boyce & Charlotte WellsAtlanta, Tx.
Becky, my heart and prayers goes out to you and your family. If there is anything that I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.
Ms. Becky, sorry for your loss, we will pray for you family for the loss of a wonderful man.
Becky, so sorry for your loss. Lifting you up in prayer.
I am sorry for your loss. My family will pray for your family in the days to come.
My prayers are with the family at this time. Fred was a good Christian man with a lot of courage. Every time I saw Fred in a court house he was always upbeat and wonderful to talk to. He is in Gods Kingdom now with no more sickness.
Becky,Mother and I are so sorry for your loss. You and the family are in our prayers.
Praying for you all during this time.
Dear Becky, and Family especially Mrs. Lawana, My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Fred was a good person and always so nice to me. Knew him early on in his life as a small boy as a neighbor living with his parents in Queen City, Tx. I am thanking the Lord for his life and witness. God bless each one of you is my prayer. Love, Cynthia
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss and God's gain. Fred is at peace and you have the memories and they are good memories. My prayers are with you and the kids to get through the next stages of your lives. God be with you and you with him always.
Becky my prayers are with you and your family at this time. My heart breaks for you. If there is anything I can do you know where I am.
I didn't know Fred that well,but growing up in Linden I had many occasion to meet him.Fred's father pastored my Grandmother's church for a time and my whole family thought very well of him.I do remember that every time I did meet him he had a smile.Really,what more can you ask of someone?May he rest well in the loving arms of Christ.
I am so sorry for your loss. May the peace of our Lord Jesus be a comfort to you. Please let me know if there is anything I may do to help you and your family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Fred was a great landman who worked for me for several years in Marshall, Texas. Fred was one of the nicest people I have ever met. R.I.P. Fred, my friend.
Becky,I am so sorry for your loss. I pray the Lord will give you the comfort you will need in the days ahead. Love you,Joyce
God bless the Wilbanks family during this loss of such a great person. He was a classmate that I only occasionally saw, but we always enjoyed catching up on family and the good life we both enjoyed. My prayers for you all.
So sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Becky, you and your family will be in my prayers. Love you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!So sorry! He was truly loved and will be missed!
Becky,Praying for peace and sweet memories. God Bless you and your sweet family.In Prayer,Susan Tipton
Becky, I am so sorry about the loss that you and your family are going through at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless all of you.
Becky, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know the memories you have of your time together were precious and to know one day you will see him again will be a comfort.
You were a remarkable and generous boss and friend. You will be truly missed by everyone. You touched so many lives through the years. Rest in peace…
Becky, sweet sweet friend, how very sorry I am… My sincere sympathy to you and your loved ones at this time.Gwen MoffeitHenderson County ClerkAthens, Texas 75751
My thoughts and prayers to Freddie's family. He was always so nice to me.Angie Niblett
We are so sorry for your loss.
To a great man and friend, I will miss your smile and conversations we've had but I will see you again one day in the place Jesus has prepared for us. My condolences to the Wilbanks family, may God comfort you and give you peace during your time of loss. Clay & Ann Kumlangngam.
Becky, sweet sweet friend, how very sorry I am… My sincere sympathy to you and your loved ones at this time.Gwen MoffeitHenderson County ClerkAthens, Texas 75751U
Sp sorry for your loss! We considered Fred to be a great person and christian example. Your friends, Don and Elaine Sewell
Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. It has been many years since I worked at the Clerk's office, but I still remember your family and your love for them. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Becky and family,We are so sorry for your loss. May God be with all of you and bless and comfort you in the days ahead.The Burson Family
Just heard. I pray you can feel God's arms around you and stand on His strength during this difficult time. Praise God, Fred is a child of the King! Love you!
Becky….I'm so sorry. Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. If there's anything you need please call.
Becky & family – My deep and heartfelt sympathy goes out to you at this difficult time. May our almighty God hold and comfort you in his loving arms.
Sorry for your loss
Becky – I am so sorry for your loss, remember we are all praying for you and your beautiful family. May God Bless wrap you close during the tough times! Donna WrightHoward County Clerk
Becky,I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. I know this is a very difficult time for you. I have been there. Please remember you and your family are in my prayers. I know the Lord will give you strength and comfort and I pray that you will feel presence in a very special way. God bless you!
Haven't seen Freddie since high school but have very fond memories of him. You have my sympathy and prayers. God bless and comfort you and your extended family at this difficult time.
FRED'S FAMILY,I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT OUR LOSS. FRED WAS ONE OF THE NICEST, MOST GENUINE PEOPLE. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.