Francisco Banda

Francisco Banda, 83, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2016, lovingly surrounded by his family, at home, in Carlsbad, NM. He was born in San Pedro De Nazas, Durango, Mexico, December 6, 1932 to Vicenta Nevarez Banda. Francisco was raised in Ascension, Chihuahua, Mexico. Francisco was 1 of 12 children, having five brothers and six sisters. At the age of 18, Francisco served one year in the Mexican Military in Juarez, Mexico. In 1954, he came to the United States as a “Bracero” to work at Twetty Farm in Roswell, NM. He worked at the farm for 13 years, where he met the love of his life, Virginia Acosta Martinez. They were married in 1960 and had 7 children together. Francisco then began to work at Fletcher Farm for the next 20 years, Latimer Farm for 5 years, and with Jack & Mark Shaw for 10 years, all in Dexter, NM. Those years did not stop Francisco. At the age of 73, he did a little work in the oil field in the Carlsbad area. Francisco was a very hard working man for all his life. Francisco enjoyed bingo, the casino and going to his children’s and grandchildren’s sports events. He was always joking around with his family and giving all his grandchildren nicknames. He was one of the best sons, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and great friend for all that knew him. He will be dearly missed. Preceding Francisco in death were his wife, Virginia Banda; mother, Vicenta Nevarez Banda; daughter, Patsy Aguilera; two brothers: Ventura Banda and Martin Nevarez; granddaughter, Delfina Chairez; and sisters: Guadalupe Nevarez and Riena Nevarez. Those left to cherish the memory of Francisco are: son, Ernesto Gutierrez; daughter, Yolanda Rodriguez and husband, Miguel; daughter, Irma Rodriquez and husband, Danny C.; son, Frank Banda and wife, Stacy; son, Juan Banda and wife, Sonia; and son, Joe Banda and wife, Melissa; brothers: Alberto Neveraz and Jose Nevarez; sisters: Socorro Marquez, Maria Reyes and Consuelo Macias; and best friend, Martin Arguijo. Additional survivors include Francisco’s 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Chosen to be Honorary Pallbearers are Ernesto Gurierrez and Martin Aruijo. Pallbearers are Frank Banda, Juan Banda, Joe Banda, Willie Aragon, Jimmy Aragon and Jose Alberto Nevarez. Visitation will be Thursday, December 8, 2016, 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM. A Rosary will be recited immediately following visitation in the Anderson Bethany Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be Friday, December 9, 2016, 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Dexter, NM. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery in Roswell, NM.

Francisco Banda

December 6, 1932 - December 3, 2016