David E. Banda

BANDA, DAVID E. David E. Banda, 84, of San Diego, CA, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 26, 2009. He was born on October 14, 1924, in New Castle, Texas, and was raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, during the Depression. In 1943, David was drafted into the Navy and was sent to San Diego for Boot Camp. He then served throughout the Pacific during World War II; serving for a time aboard the U.S.S. Cape Gloucester. After the war, he returned to Texas, but remained in the Naval Reserve. In 1950, when war broke out in Korea, he was recalled to active duty, stationed in San Diego. He left the Navy at the end of the Korean War and decided to make San Diego his permanent home, where he and his wife Mary Lee would settle down and raise a family. He soon went to work for Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical Co. and retired after 36 years of consecutive service. Together with Mary Lee, they helped start the First Baptist Church of Mira Mesa, becoming Charter Members. David served as a Deacon for over 35 years. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Lee, son David and his wife Deanna, grandsons Brad and wife Ariel, Brandon and Blake, brothers Pete and wife Juanita, Frank and wife Vickie, and Daniel and wife Alice, and sisters Jessie Close, Fina Ceballos, Rosa Estrada and husband Arturo, and Esther Rangel, all from Wichita Falls, Texas. Services will be held the week of August 31st. Please call 858-547-1526 for Service details. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92103-1407, 619-688-1600.