Jose "Joe" Israel Banda

Jose “Joe” Israel Banda

Jose “Joe” Israel Banda was born on December 6, 1945, in Ciudad Mier, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Francisco Banda and Antonia González. In January 1956, Joe and his family immigrated to the United States in search of a better life.

Joe attended schools in McAllen, Texas, but was unable to complete his studies as a young man because his family made their living as migrant farm workers. Together, they traveled throughout the United States following seasonal work, including to Utah, Montana, and California.

At the age of 20, Joe began his service in the United States Army. He served on active duty from 1965 to 1967 and attained the rank of Specialist Four. Trained as a Bridge Specialist, Joe served with the 586th Engineer Company (Float Bridge) at Fort Benning, Georgia. During his military service, he received the National Defense Service Medal and earned Expert qualification with the M16 rifle and Sharpshooter qualification with the M14 rifle. Determined to continue his education, Joe also earned his G.E.D. Certificate in November 1967. He received his honorable discharge from the United States Army in December 1971.

Following his military service, Joe took advantage of the G.I. Bill to attend Pan American University. As a veteran and college student, he became an active coordinator with Chi Gamma Iota, a Hidalgo County veterans outreach organization that provided fellowship, assistance adjusting to college life, information about veterans’ benefits, and opportunities for civic involvement for honorably discharged veterans. Joe earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Pan American University in 1973.

In 1974, Joe began what would become a long and dedicated career with the City of McAllen. Over the years, he worked in several departments and eventually concluded his career serving as the City’s Risk Manager.

Outside of work, Joe knew how to enjoy life. Some of his favorite pastimes included hunting, running, playing golf—and, as his family and friends will fondly remember, wearing an infinite number of plaid pants. But perhaps nothing brought Joe more enjoyment than dancing. If there was a dance floor nearby, chances were Joe would be on it almost immediately.

In his later years, Joe especially treasured the time he spent with his fellow veterans. He enjoyed gathering with friends for fellowship, camaraderie, and, of course, dancing at VFW Post 8788, various American Legion halls, and the Elks Lodge in McAllen. The friendships he shared with his fellow veterans remained an important and meaningful part of his life.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosie Escamilla Banda; his daughter, Cecilia Bernadette Banda; and his brothers, Felipe Banda and Rolando Gonzalez.

He is survived by his son, Joe I. Banda Jr.; his daughter, Linda Duty and her husband, David; his grandson, Dustin L. Duty; and his brothers, Rogelio Banda and Jesus Banda.

Joe’s life was one of perseverance, service, hard work, friendship, and joy. From the migrant fields of his youth, to his service in the United States Army, his college education, his long career with the City of McAllen, and the many dance floors he enjoyed along the way, Joe built a life defined by determination and a genuine love of living.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Wednesday, August 19, 2026 with the Holy Rosary at 7:00 pm at Rivera Funeral Home of McAllen. Funeral Mass at 10:00 am Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Sacred Hearth Catholic Church in McAllen. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in McAllen.

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