Jeffrey Ray Bandy passed away December 17, 2021, at MU Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, due to complications from Covid-19. Born January 9, 1967, he was the son of the late (Sylvester) Ray and Betty Jo Bandy. Jeff grew up in Summersville, Missouri and graduated Valedictorian from Summersville High School in 1985. He continued his education, earning a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business degree from Missouri Baptist University. Jeff loved Information Technology and did IT work at Mountain View Fabricating, Coin Acceptors and MFA Oil Company in Missouri before moving west for a stint, where he worked at Mindbody in San Luis Obispo, CA. Though he enjoyed the sunny weather, Jeff always liked being at HOME. Amazingly, he had the opportunity to return to MFA Oil Company in Columbia and it didn’t take long before the packing began. Jeff and his family returned to Missouri in 2018.
Jeff had a deep, personal relationship with his Lord, Jesus Christ. This was evident in the way he served, loved, provided for, and protected his family and others. Jeff faithfully worshiped and prayed with his family. He was honest, kind, gentle and upright. Anything Jeff put his mind and energy to, he did well as scriptures teach. He truly lived his life like Christ’s Word instructs.
Jeff was a man of action. He learned how to do things that interested him and then got them done. When he felt called to adopt, he found out how to do that and repeated the formula three times! Jeff had a true appreciation for technology, green energy, nature and motorcycles. He operated lamps with his phone and built computers and servers at home. Jeff powered his home in California with solar energy and drove a hybrid electric car. He even converted an old Ford F-250 regular Diesel engine to a “Greasel” diesel, which ran it on vegetable oil! Intrigued by aquaponics, he built a complete fruit, vegetable, Hosta and goldfish garden in his basement office space. Jeff researched and built water catchment systems too; which he used to nourish the gardens he planted outside, as well as conserve water, energy and finances at the same time! Also, an avid photographer, Jeff took amazing nature, rain and scenery photos, in addition to the literally thousands of photographs he snapped of his dear ones.
Jeff adored his children and grandchildren and his devotion to them was unconditional. He was patient as he’d let them “do it themselves.” He always set a good example. Jeff enjoyed playing with his kids and grands. Paintball, catch, basketball, Barbies, computer games, Lego and many more. He even endured hair do’s Harlee would bestow upon him. He was always happy to indulge the children and grandchildren with his attention. He kept all their devices working, charged (and safe!) Jeff never missed school activities and he was honored to baptize Harlee and Avery when they accepted Jesus. He loved continuing to share in the kids’ lives even after they began adulting. His phone was often busy with grown kid messages and questions. He was wise and when asked, he always gave accurate and Godly advice.
Jeff once took and sent a photo (click on the photo album at the bottom of the page) to Leanne. His accompanying text said, “You are a purple flower standing out among the plain ones.” He wasn’t stingy with his love and Jeff was positively Leanne’s purple flower as well! Jeff was unquestionably a stand out guy, not only in his family, but to all who knew and loved him. He is dearly missed.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Leanne, his mother, Betty Jo Bandy of Summersville, Missouri, his sister Sylvia Jo McVicker of Rolla, Missouri, his daughter of the home, Harlee, his son of the home, Avery, his son Michael of West Plains, Missouri, his son Adam (and wife Samantha) and grandchildren Mason, Gabby and Tatum, of Alton, Missouri, his daughter Tiffanie (and husband Dr. John Montoya) and grandchildren Ethan, Emily, Elias and Eva, of Lafayette, Colorado, his daughter Jessica (and husband Tyson Vertz) and grandchildren Ayva, Greyson and Vivian, of Joplin, Missouri.
There will be a Memorial Service held on Saturday, January 8th at 2:00 PM at the Rocky Fork Fellowship Church located at 12095 N. State Route B, Hallsville, Missouri 65255
There will also be a Memorial Service held on Saturday, January 15th at 2:00 PM at the Bradford Funeral Home Chapel in Summersville, Missouri.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until service time. Mrs. Betty Jo, Jeffrey’s mother, would love for his family and friends to bring a memory or story to share as part of the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request donations in Jeffrey’s memory be made to the: Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association which may be mailed to CMFCAA 809 Swifts HWY, Jefferson City, MO 65101 or donations may also be processed securely online at mofosteradopt.com.
