Donald Frank Bandle

Dr. Donald F. Bandle, 89, of Shawneetown, Ill., passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2009, 11:45 p.m. at the Oakview Heights Center in Mt. Carmel, Ill. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., on September 29, 1920, the son of Frank and Helen (Schuetz) Bandle. Don was married to Thomasine Logsdon on July 11, 1970 and she preceded him in death on April 28, 2004. He is survived by his daughter, Thomasina Jon White and Eric Turpin of Mt. Carmel, Ill.; brother, Bill Bandle of St. Louis, Mo.; cousins, nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents; a wife, Betty Bandle, and his son, Gary Bandle. Dr. Bandle received his medical degree and graduated with honors from St. Louis University in 1941, where he played guard and was captain of the basketball team and also played infield in baseball. He was All Missouri Valley in college basketball. He previously attended Christian Brothers College where he performed in both the latter sports, while playing quarterback in football to round out his program. Dr. Bandle received his masters of clinical Psychiatry from Washington University. During World War Two he was a Navy 1st Lieutenant. His duties included being a Captain of a sub chaser in the South Pacific. After the war he continued his medical profession. Don was a member of the American Medical Association. He had been on the medical staff at St. Louis State Hospital for nine years he resigned his administrative position after the Ulett ruling and remained in private practice for fifty years in St. Louis. He was recognized by his peers as a Distinguished Life Fellow of Psychiatry. Don was dedicated to his family and medical practice and will be missed, because of his friendships and the love he brought to so many. His hobbies were sports, gardening and especially his pets. He also owned and raced thoroughbred race horses with his wife, Thomasine for forty years. Visitation for Dr. Bandle will be Thursday, December 31, 2009 from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. at Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown. Father Mark Stec will be officiating. Burial will be at Westwood Cemetery with military rites by Ridgway American Legion Post #596. Memorials may be made in Don's memory to the new project with Wabash County Animal Shelter Buddies. Internet condolences may be made at www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.