David Elbert Bandy
David Elbert Bandy Sr., 76, of Saratoga, Texas went to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at his residence in Saratoga, Texas surrounded by his loving family, and church family.
David was born on March 9, 1947, to the late David "Big Daddy" Bandy and Manda Bell Whitmire in Sour Lake, Texas. If you knew David E. Bandy, you quickly learned that he was a selfless man. He was a man of peace but not afraid of war. He served two tours in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged while receiving numerous medals for bravery and valor. His return to civilian life was somewhat of a challenge for him as he dealt with his PTSD internally. Much like the heroes of his generation he never complained. Once home from war he began to work in the oil field throughout Texas. On one occasion in 1985 while working on a drilling rig a Co-Worker and friend was hung in a drilling rig derrick by a cable 80 feet up in the air by his almost severed arm. David risked his life and climbed the derrick with no safety line to free the man and carry him down. Without his selfless act the man would not be alive today. David was a meek man but was not afraid to risk his life for his friend.
David was filled with the Baptism on the Holy Ghost around the age of 33. God truly transformed this man into the christian, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend that we know today. His unconditional love was one of his primary characteristics that helped shape his life. His desire to please his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the compass for his life. Much can be said about his love for peace and his steady and consistent daily walk with the Lord. He was faithful to attend church, fasted weekly and read his bible and prayed daily. Anytime a workday was called at the church you could count on him being there.
While David had a very serious side, he did have a love for laughter. There was hardly ever a time when David was in the room that he did not have a way of bringing a smile to those around him. From his super agitating skills to his uncanny ability to know just about everyone’s birthday. Don’t even think about letting your inspection sticker be within a month from expiring. He would call to remind you at least 4 times to get it taken care of. He even had a unique ability that if you spoke to him about your distant relatives long enough, he would figure out a way to make you, his cousin. He enjoyed good southern gospel music. Was not a fan of the “new-fangled” songs we hear in churches today. His love for Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream was only surpassed by his love for God, Family and Country.
In his spare time, you would find him working diligently in his yard, mowing and raking. He took pride in his well-kept lawn. He also enjoyed making coffee for his wife every morning and adding some extra TLC.
David is preceded in death by his parents; son, Christopher David "Little Buddy" Bandy; brother, James; and sisters, Betty and Louise.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 44 years, Beverly Kay Bandy of Saratoga, Texas; daughters, Tracia LyNett Bandy-Howe of Bridge City, Texas, Manda Peeler and husband Dean of Sour Lake, Texas; son, David E. Bandy and wife Elizabeth of Groves, Texas; sister, Judy Roberts of Palestine, Texas; grandchildren, Jacob Bandy, Taylor Bandy, Drew Howe, Gabriel Howe, Michael Dean Peeler, Gabriel David Peeler, David Harrison Bandy; numerous nieces, nephews, church family, and a host of friends.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11:00 am at Apostolic Lighthouse Church, 195 S Cannon St. Sour Lake, Texas with Pastor Faustino Navarrete officiating. Interment to follow at Rosedale cemetery in Sour Lake, Texas. A gathering of family and friends will be on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Apostolic Lighthouse Church.
Honoring David as pallbearers are Michael Peeler, Jacob Bandy, Jackie Curtis, Morgan Hunt, Jozeph Dorland, and Wayne Collins. Honorary pallbearers are James Arnold Vaughan, Shelton Vaughan, Dwayne Hunt, and Raymond Stephens.