Samuel "Sam" Donn Banks, 71, of Nevada, Iowa, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Nevada Community Building (lower level), 90 I Ave, in Nevada. Sam was born on May 6, 1953, to Donald and Y-Vonne (Conner) Banks in Nevada, Iowa. He grew up in Zearing where he attended NESCO until his sophomore year. The family relocated to Nevada where he graduated from Nevada High School in 1971. Shortly after graduating Sam started working at 3M in Ames. He married Susan Runge in 1973 and started their family together and remained in Nevada. Together they raised 3 children and spoiled 2 granddaughters and later separated. After 35 years of working at 3M, Sam retired in 2007. Sam would do anything for anyone and had truly never met a stranger. He will be missed greatly by all of his family and friends. Sam enjoyed coaching his kids in soccer when they were young, hunting, playing cribbage, and his weekly poker nights with friends. Those left to cherish his loving memory are his kids Jeff Banks, Brian Banks, and Katie (Cory) Walker; grandkids Emily Banks and Shelby Raske; mother of his children Susan Banks; brothers Ben (JoAnne) Banks, David Banks, and Ed (Sharon) Banks. Sam was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Kristi Ann Banks. Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Sam.