George William Banes, 72, of Lafayette died at 4:36 pm, Saturday, October 4, 2014 at IU Health in Lafayette. He was born October 18, 1941 in Lafayette to the late Harry E. and Thelma Ruth (Miller) Banes Girton. He attended Chalmers High School, obtained his GED from American Schools in 1960 and started a family which includes four children, Jackie, Jane, Judi and Tony. George had a career for more than 50 years that included working with the Pipefitters Union Local 157 as a plumber and pipefitter, working with his brothers at Banes Plumbing and Heating, Monticello IN and Beall's Plumbing, Phoenix AZ. During his semi-retirement years he enjoyed using his immense plumbing and carpentry skills to become an expert Home Repair and Rehabber. This opened up another career for him as an owner and landlord for many rental properties in the Frankfort IN area. Other activities were spending time at the VFW, American Legion Posts and Redmans, Eagles and Moose Lodges. His lifelong passion was music that started in his teenage years and continued throughout his life. His musical talents allowed him to be a member of several bands. He was the lead guitarist in The Buddies Four which included his brother Stan, nephew Dick and friends Bud Sulfridge and Kent Lane. This popular country pop rock band experienced notoriety in the 60s and 70s, performing on the Madam Carroll's maiden voyage and a live radio performance on the Jerry Lee Lewis Telethon. His other hobbies included antiquing, garage sales, working with his hands and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his 4 children; Jackie Tepe (Andy) of Cincinnati, OH, Jane Gronauer (Greg) of Noblesville, Judi Brummett (Rick) of Brookston, Tony Banes (Elizabeth) of Frankfort; his siblings Paul Banes of Monticello, step-brother, Phil Girton (Janice) of Delphi, and step-sister, Nancy Cripe (Lloyd) of Delphi, his sister-in-laws, Myra Banes of Phoenix, Sophie Banes of Delphi, Rita Banes of Monticello; 8 grandchildren, Matt and Emma Tepe of Cincinnati, OH, Allyson and Abigayle Gronauer of Noblesville, Jordan Brummett Nally (Aaron) of Fowler, Jeffrey Brummett (Caitlyn) of Noblesville, Jacob Brummett of Brookston, Courtney Murray Baker (Logan) of Frankfort, and Lane Murray of Frankfort; 2 great-grandchildren, Jace and Cole Nally of Fowler; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, John Girton; brothers, Stanley, Robert, and Donald Banes; and sister-in-law, Betty Banes. Friends may call from 9:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am, Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Dodson, of the Monticello Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow at Chalmers Community Cemetery, Chalmers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in George's name to Gennesaret Health Recovery Program For Homeless Men, 2401 Central Ave., Indianapolis IN, 317-920-1554 or Happy Tails Animal Care Center, 8954 NW Shafer Dr., Monticello IN, 574-278-7102. Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com