Obituary of Eugene "Gene" Bandy Sr

Eugene Walter Bandy, Sr. of Hugo, Colorado passed away August 29, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. Gene was the only child born to Huey and Elenora (Finlayson) Bandy in Limon, Colorado on July 7, 1937. Elenora passed away shortly after giving birth to Gene. In high school, Gene enjoyed being the equipment manager for the Limon Badgers Football team. Shortly after graduation from Limon High School in 1956, he married Patricia Ann Miller on September 15, 1956, at the Four Square Church in Fort Morgan, Colorado. They would have been married 57 years this year. From this union five children were born: VaLinda Jean, Cynthia Diann, Anthony Everett, Eugene Walter, Jr. and Connie Jo. Gene enjoyed many jobs, included but not limited to; bartender; port of entry officer; candy maker at Y&S Candy Factory (he always brought home logs of old licorice for us, HARD AS ROCK, but the kids went to great lengths trying to eat that licorice. He would smell all flavors of licorice every night); Sherwin-Williams (where the kids enjoyed watching their dad operate the big paint mixing machine; managed a gas station, a radio station, bait shop, and grocery stores. His favorite job by far was being a postal carrier, where he enjoyed telling stories of the snakes, eagles and other wildlife encountered on his daily route. Gene enjoyed taking pictures, and pictures, and pictures and pictures! He collected stamps, old coins and books. He was an avid reader of western books. Gene’s favorite pastime was meeting his life-long friend, Rich Parmer every day for coffee until health issues limited their visits. Gene liked watching the Broncos – when they won! He enjoyed watching his grandchildren playing sports. Recently his dog Gizmo was his faithful companion. Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Huey and Elenora; his brother Huey Bandy, Jr.; his sister Shirley Spaid; and his grandsons; Tyler Bandy and Timothy Blanski. He is survived by his wife, Patricia of Hugo, Colorado; daughter, Valinda Eberle of Limon, Colorado; daughter, Cindy Blanski (Ed) of Limon, Colorado; son Tony Bandy of Hugo, Colorado; son Gene Jr. and wife Tammy of Sterling, Colorado; and daughter Connie and husband Ron Payton of Grand Junction, Colorado. Gene is also survived by twelve grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. His step-mother Alnore Bandy survives as well as brother, Ted (Pat) Bandy, brother-in-law Ted Spaid, sister Lavern (Graham) Bandy, Helen (Rick) Bandy and Wanda (Jim) Brittain.