Juan Francisco Banda

Juan Francisco Banda, 89, of Sabinal, Texas passed away on July 5, 2025, at his residence.

Juan was born on August 21, 1935, in Sabinal, Texas to Juanita (Vasquez) and Juan Banda.

Juan married Maria Flores on November 5, 1966, in Sabinal, Texas.

Juan attended Sabinal High School and proudly served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1964. During his service, he received the Good Conduct Medal along with two Expert Badges, reflecting his dedication and skill. He also worked as an aircraft painter for over 30 years at Gary Aircraft in Hondo, Texas. While working there he painted the original plane that was featured in the Disney film "Planes."

He was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sabinal. A lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, Juan also enjoyed keeping up with current events and was a true history enthusiast. Known for his strong work ethic and good sense of humor, Juan was a good and hardworking man and a devoted father who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Juan is survived by his wife of 58 years of Sabinal; three daughters, Cristina Banda of San Antonio, Rosa Maria Banda and husband, Hiram Munoz of Bulverde, and Alicia Banda of Sabinal; three sons, Frankie Banda and wife, Criselda of Uvalde, Ricardo Banda and Gilbert Banda of Sabinal; sister, Elida Banda of Sabinal; 11 grandchildren, Isiah Banda, Matthew Musquez, Iliana Musquez, Juan F. Banda, III, Emmanuel Banda, Tom Gallardo, Rick Gallardo, Anthony Banda, Alexander Banda, Gilbert Banda, Jr., Nadia Munoz, Alyssa Guerrero and Celeste Salazar; great grandchildren, Mia Rae Gallardo, and Tommy Gallardo, Jr., and niece, Adela Banda-Suttner of Sabinal.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Elario Banda and Monsace Banda.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary in Sabinal. A Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Isiah Banda ,Matthew Musquez, Anthony Banda, Alexander Banda, Gilbert Banda, Frankie Banda III, Emmanual Banda.

Honorary Pallbearers are Iliana Musquez, Nadia Munoz, Alyssa Guerrero, Celetse Salazar.