Rafael Banda Jr.

Rafael Banda Jr., age 79, of Saginaw Michigan, passed away on Saturday, October 14th, 2023, surrounded by family, at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital.

Rafael was born in Asherton, Texas on September 18th, 1944, the son of the late Rafael Banda Sr. and Juanita Juarez Banda. He graduated from Saginaw High School in 1964. He worked for Grey Iron Foundry for twenty-five years, retiring in 1989. Shortly after he opened a restaurant/bar named “Casa Banda.” Growing up along with his siblings, they would work in the fields picking potatoes, cotton, and cherries. Later on he would help his father drive semi-trucks back and forth from Texas hauling watermelon, pecans, grapefruit, pottery, and a variety of spices. He was a member of St. Joseph Saginaw Parish.

He loved traveling, camping, fishing, and going on walks. He loved to spend time with his family, giving many life lessons, and attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. He was a fan of westerns, especially of GunSmoke and Bonanza. He enjoyed Listening to Tejano music. He was Married to Mary Lou Banda and she preceded him in death in July of 2010

Rafael is survived by two children, John T. (Catherine) Banda and Alicia Banda; Grandchildren, Rafael T. (Angela) Banda, Andres M. Banda, Mya A. Banda-Grayson, Iliano Banda; Great-grandchildren, Alexavier Banda, Aliana Banda, Rafael Banda, Noah Banda, Mackenson Banda, Ayven Banda; Siblings, Rachel Castaneda, Olga (Manuel) Cruz, Ernest (Araceli) Banda, Nora (Tony) Barsenas; many nieces and nephews; and many cousins that he grew up with and thought of as brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Andrea G. Banda; an infant grandson; and sister, Maria Puga.

Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Friday October 20, 2023, at St. Joseph Saginaw Parish, 910 6^th Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601. Following the visitation, a Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m.. Rev. Fr. Frank Voris, O.F.M. Cap will officiate the service with cremation to follow. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Joseph Saginaw Parish. Arrangements are entrusted to W.L. Case and Company, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Please visit https://www.casefuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave messages for the family.