In 1992, Don met his loving wife of 24 Years, Carol Ayler Bandy. Don and Carol were married in 1998. Soon after, Don adopted Ashley as his own daughter. After Ashley’s marriage to Ron Eads, Don was blessed with four beautiful grandchildren. Don loved them wholeheartedly. He enjoyed many fun times, and captured many precious memories while spending time with them as their “Papa.”
Don was a member of the Central States Teamsters Union. Don was employed as a professional car hauler, and he retired from Jack Cooper Transport after 30 years of service. His car hauling experiences took him to most of the contiguous 48 states. When Don was behind the wheel driving, he often reminded his passengers, “They were in the hands of a Professional.”
Don had a big heart and a strong desire to help anyone in need. He never met a stranger, and many strangers later became his dear friends. Don and Carol’s car-hauling friends often celebrated together on cruises and all-inclusive vacations.
Don was an avid sports fan, and with Carol, they enjoyed watching or attending Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals games. They also traveled to several other major league baseball parks to watch the Royals play.
Two of Don’s favorite conversation topics were sports and politics. Don had an exceptional memory. He could easily recall and work into conversations the various states, cities, towns, and highway numbers he had traveled as a car hauler. He also had great recall about sports statistics and trivia. After discussing politics with Don, you knew where he stood on political issues.
Don is survived by his wife Carol, Creighton, MO, their daughter Ashley Eads, Garden City, MO, (Ron), their children Blake, Logan, Hailey and Wyatt; his brother James W. Bandy, Fiji Islands, and his son Jim, Los Angeles, CA; and, his sister Bonnie Salazar (Ed), Overland Park, KS, and their daughters Sharla, Overland Park, KS, and Sandra, Austin, TX.
Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2023 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with internment at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri.
Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 17, 2023 At Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers or Golden Valley Hospice and send in care of Dickey Funeral Home, PO Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.
