Edison Glenn Banks II

Edison G. Banks, II entered his heavenly home on December 1, 2024. He was 64.

A lifelong resident of Letcher County, Edison was a graduate of Whitesburg High School, Hazard Community College, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law. He was a fierce defender of his mountain roots and the law.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Whitesburg, the Whitesburg Lions Club, and the Fraternal Order of Police.

He grew up with his parents, Sue Banks and the late Edison Glenn Banks, Sr., on Little Cowan in the shadow of Pine Mountain, and under the watchful eye of a doting grandmother
and aunt. It is here where he learned the value of hard work, strength of family bonds, and faith in God.

At an early age, Edison had a keen interest in law enforcement, always the sheriff when at play, which proved to be a significant role in his desire to become a prosecutor.

When starting a private law practice with his friend, the late Judge Jim Wood, it became apparent that civil law would not hold Edison’s interest. He soon took a position as Assistant
Commonwealth’s Attorney and instantly began forging relationships with law enforcement officers, fellow prosecutors, and others in the court system that he would build upon and utilize
throughout his professional life.

In 2000, Edison took a leap of faith and ran for the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 47th Judicial Circuit of Kentucky, serving the people of Letcher County. In 2001, he took
the oath of office and maintained the position of the county’s chief prosecutor for 24 years.

Throughout his tenure as Commonwealth’s Attorney, countless families turned to him at their most desperate times of anguish as the victims of violent crime. Edison took the faith that
those victims placed in him and would not rest until he brought the perpetrator to justice. This never-ending effort to seek justice earned him the respect of law enforcement and fellow
prosecutors. In 2014, he was selected by his peers as Kentucky’s Prosecutor of the Year.

There are few within the court system in Letcher County and throughout the state who do not have a favorite “Edison Story” to tell, and these will be shared for many years to come.
He was always available for advice and counsel at any time of day or night which led to many late night or early morning emails, phone calls and text messages.

The years of hard work and dedication took their toll on Edison’s health and he suffered for it in the final years of his life to the heartbreak of his family and friends.

Though Edison’s love of the law and criminal justice cannot be overstated, he was just as devoted to his daughters, whom he loved unconditionally until his final breath.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters: Christie Nicole Davis (Daniel) of Hazard, Kentucky; and Haley Blair Sizemore (Corey) of Cornettsville, Kentucky. Mother: Sue Banks of
Whitesburg, Kentucky; Sisters: Mary Lynne Richardson (Marty) of Whitesburg, Kentucky; and Amanda Banks Galer (Tyler) of Coos Bay, Oregon. Grandchildren: Hallie Drew Davis and
Harper Rose Sizemore. As well as his nieces, Ashley Renee Holland (Brandon), and Caidance King; nephew, Kyle Galer; and great nieces, Sophie Grace and Makayla Holland.

A host of friends and colleagues are also left to mourn his passing.

Funeral: 1:00 O'clock P.M. Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Whitesburg First Baptist Church with Bill Craft, Johnny Banks and Tony Brown officiating. Visitation: 6:00 P.M. Thursday at the Whitesburg First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the John R. Banks Cemetery at Little Cowan, Kentucky.