Francisco Banda

Francisco J. Banda, 86, of Safford, passed away May 16, 2014. Francisco was born November 3, 1927 to Thomas and Angelina Juarez Banda in Linares, Neveno Leon, Mexico. He was a carpenter by trade and a Pastor with the Apostolic Assembly of the faith in Christ Jesus. He liked to build things and make things out of old pieces of wood. Francisco loved to read, especially the Bible. Francisco was the happiest when all of his ten children were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. He loved teaching the value of Gods word. He was a very humble man of God. Francisco is survived by his wife; Maria I. Banda, children; Leonard (Liz) Lara, Rosa (Arturo) Almeida, Julie (Joe) Medrano, Sylvia Lara, Ann (Raul) Tovar, Linda (Marty) Lopez, Lilly Anglin, Frank (Maria) Banda, Debbie (Jose) Luna, and Isabel (Mike Abeyta) Banda, siblings; Cuco, Longina, Lupe, Georgia, Maria, Concha, and Gregorio, 39 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; Thomas and Angelina Banda, and grandchildren; Lisa Marie Lara, Beatriz Ramirez and Michael Lopez. A viewing for Francisco will be held Thursday, May 22, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Apostolic Church in Safford and the funeral service will be held Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the New Life City Church in Safford. Interment will follow in the Safford Cemetery.