Darrell graduated from Clear Fork High School, then earned an associate's degree from Iowa State University, and attended The Ohio State, Bowling Green, Ashland, Walsh, and Mount Vernon Nazarene Universities for education, marketing, and computer classes. Darrell lives in Bellville, with his wife, Marty, with whom he has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren. He is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Darrell previously served as the president of the Ohio Restaurant Association, a member of the Ohio Travel Association’s Board of Trustees, and co-founder and chairman of the Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Darrell previously worked as the owner and president of San-Dar, Inc. He also spent 12 years as a vocational teacher and instructor of the Marketing, Travel, and Tourism Program at the Knox County Career Center in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Darrell served in the U.S Army for 3 years.

Darrell E. Banks is a Richland County commissioner. He was elected in 2016 and is serving his second term. Darrell also served as mayor of Bellville for 9 years.