Curlie "Ricky" Banks

Curlie “Ricky” Banks, 63, of South Bend, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Ricky was born on December 17, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Leon and Bettie (Peel) Banks. He was married to the love of his life, Darlene M. Lucas, and together they shared 47 years of devotion and partnership.

Ricky is survived by his children, Michael (Renita) Cutler, Marcel Cutler, and China Banks, all of South Bend. He also leaves behind six grandchildren—Tatyana Northern, Shaylan Cutler, Marcel Cutler Jr., Ta’Niya Cutler, Amaya Cutler, and Candice Cutler—and six great‑grandchildren who brought him endless joy. Ricky is also survived by his sister, Bonita Youngand,  two niece's Lucretia Malone-Banks and  Aerial Richmond .

He was preceded in death by his daughter, L. A. Elaine Banks; his sister, Ann Banks; Lorna Banks; and his brother, Leon Banks Jr.

Ricky worked for many years in food service at the Marriott Hotel and Century Center. He later served as a manager at Burger King and also worked for Mattress Warehouse. Known for his incredible cooking skills, Ricky especially loved to BBQ and was famous among family and friends for his food. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music, playing cards, and sharing jokes—he was truly the neighborhood dad, always welcoming, always laughing, and always looking out for others. Above all, Ricky loved his family deeply and wholeheartedly.

Funeral services for Ricky will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made directly to Palmer Funeral Homes to assist the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.