Thomas Bandy

The Rev. Thomas Alvin Bandy, 89, Colby, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby. He was born July 20, 1925, in Calhoon, McMinn County, Tenn., the son of W.L. and Sarah (Swafford) Bandy. He graduated from high school in Cleveland, Tenn., and moved to South Carolina, where he worked in ship building until he was 18. He then enlisted in the Navy during World War II, serving on the patrol craft tender USS Willoughby in the south Pacific. On Aug. 14, 1948, he married Betty Jane Gates in Amarillo, Texas. After the war, he graduated from McMurry College in Abilene, Texas, and Iliff School of Theology in Denver with a Master's of Theology. He was a pastor to United Methodist churches in Texas, Colorado and Kansas before retiring in 1990, when he retired in Colby.He was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman.

Preceding him in death were his parents; four sisters, Opal, Lois, Wiladene and Lucille; and a brother, Gene Bandy.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; four sons, Philip (Debbie) Bandy, Vallejo, Calif.; Bruce (Leatte) Bandy, Colby; Brad Bandy, Cheyenne Wyo.; and Kirk Bandy, California; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2014 at the United Methodist Church, Colby with burial in the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, WaKeeney. Memorials are suggested to the church, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com