Don Elliott Banks, a chemist and consultant known for his contributions to the edible oils industry, died on July 12, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. He was 86.

Born on June 3, 1940, in Mathis, Texas, Banks grew up in Robstown and graduated from Robstown High School in 1958. He pursued higher education at the University of Texas in Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1963, followed by a Master's degree in Mathematics.

Banks began his professional career in Houston as a research chemist with Hunt-Wesson Foods. In 1970, he and his family relocated to Dallas, where he continued working in the food industry with Frito-Lay, which later became part of PepsiCo. In 1997, Banks established Edible Oils Technology, a consultancy specializing in the production and application of soybean oils. Through this company, he provided expert advice to an international client base until 2020. Additionally, he served as a consultant for the American Soybean Association and worked with Qualisoy.

Outside his professional life, Banks was actively involved in community and educational activities. He frequently volunteered as a judge at local school science fairs in Dallas, nurturing young scientific talent. Known for his inquisitive spirit, he enjoyed repairing various mechanical devices and had a lifelong passion for understanding how things functioned.

Sports played a significant role in Banks’s life from an early age. During high school, he participated in athletics and served as the kicker for the Robstown Cotton Pickers football team. Throughout his adult years, he remained active, playing singles tennis and doubles with his wife, Carmen, as well as participating in soccer and softball leagues in Dallas.

Banks married Carmen Louisa Mercado on November 20, 1965. The couple had two children, Robyn and Brian. He was preceded in death by his parents, Buford Clarence Banks and Florence Roberta Elliott Banks, his sister Kalani Banks, and his wife Carmen. He is survived by his son, Brian Banks; daughter, Robyn Lawrance; and grandson, Oscar Lawrance.

Colleagues and community members described Banks as a man of intellectual strength, practical skill, and generosity. Though reserved in nature, he was known for his willingness to assist others and his sincere care for those around him. His legacy endures through both his professional contributions and the personal impact he made on his family and community.