Rafael Banda

Banda, Rafael R. of Saginaw, Michigan Passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2016 with his family by his side at the Saginaw Senior Care & Rehab Center. He was 94 years old. Rafael R. Banda was born on October 24, 1921 in Asherton, Texas to the late Justo and Iancarnacion (Rojas) Banda. He was married to the late Juanita Juarez. Rafael proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during WWII. He then moved to the Saginaw area in 1950 to raise his family and worked for Grey Iron Foundry, retiring in 1973 after 25 years of service. Following his retirement, Rafael still enjoyed working. His love was being an entrepreneur in the Saginaw Community as he owned and operated a produce/grocery market and restaurant. Rafael will be fondly remember as the "Watermelon Man". He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Surviving are his children: Rachel Castenda, Rafael Banda Jr., Olga Gonzales, Ernest (Shelly) Banda and Nora (Tony) Barsenas; 21 grandchildren; many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by daughter, Maria Puga; son-in-law, Daniel Castenda; daughter-in-law, Marylou Banda; and a brother, Augustine Banda. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. 6th Ave. Rev. Francis Voris, OFMCap will officiate. Rite of Committal and Military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2016 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with Rafael's family on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A vigil service will be held on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Rafael will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com