1927
William
2016
William E. Bender
February 17, 1927 — August 13, 2016
William E. "Bill" Bender, son of L.J. and Marie (Healy) Bender passed away at home August 13, 2016 at the age of 89. He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on February 17, 1927. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II.
Bill was united in marriage to Barbara J. Higbee in 1949. They made their home in Lacey, Michigan. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara (Higbee) Bender, three children; Ronald (Anna) Bender and Robert Bender of Lacey, MI; Cathy Kingsbury of Delton, MI, Wadad (Hassan) El-Ammori of South Bend Indiana, a very special Canadian daughter Anne Marshall Bullard of Delton, MI; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; a brother Gene (Laviern) Bender of Battle Creek; two special nephews, Philip E. Higbee and Garry W. Mainstone, and three special nieces Phyllis Funderburk, Gloria Viers and Betty Bender along with many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents L.J. and Marie Bender; in-laws Elwood and Celia (Freeman) Higbee of Maple Grove; three sisters, Imogene (Chuck) Methney, Betty (Cleo) Squires, of Battle Creek, Willagene (Bill) Cook of Kalamazoo, one brother, Raymond Bender of Athens, and two sister in-laws, Betty (Duane) Lawrence and Beverly (Fred) Spinney of Battle Creek.
Bill worked at Kellogg's for 38 years, retiring in 1988. He attended Solid Rock Bible Church of Delton. He was called the Avon man by many, having sold it for 44 years. He enjoyed visiting with friends and loved all children. He loved collecting miniature cars and spending time with his wife and family.
He appreciated the loving care given to him by Matthew (Hope) Bender allowing him to pass in his home with his family.
A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Fort Custer National Cemetery with Rev. Ronald Anderson officiating and full military honors by the US Air Force. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Solid Rock Church 7025 Milo Rd. Delton MI, 49046. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Bill was united in marriage to Barbara J. Higbee in 1949. They made their home in Lacey, Michigan. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara (Higbee) Bender, three children; Ronald (Anna) Bender and Robert Bender of Lacey, MI; Cathy Kingsbury of Delton, MI, Wadad (Hassan) El-Ammori of South Bend Indiana, a very special Canadian daughter Anne Marshall Bullard of Delton, MI; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; a brother Gene (Laviern) Bender of Battle Creek; two special nephews, Philip E. Higbee and Garry W. Mainstone, and three special nieces Phyllis Funderburk, Gloria Viers and Betty Bender along with many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents L.J. and Marie Bender; in-laws Elwood and Celia (Freeman) Higbee of Maple Grove; three sisters, Imogene (Chuck) Methney, Betty (Cleo) Squires, of Battle Creek, Willagene (Bill) Cook of Kalamazoo, one brother, Raymond Bender of Athens, and two sister in-laws, Betty (Duane) Lawrence and Beverly (Fred) Spinney of Battle Creek.
Bill worked at Kellogg's for 38 years, retiring in 1988. He attended Solid Rock Bible Church of Delton. He was called the Avon man by many, having sold it for 44 years. He enjoyed visiting with friends and loved all children. He loved collecting miniature cars and spending time with his wife and family.
He appreciated the loving care given to him by Matthew (Hope) Bender allowing him to pass in his home with his family.
A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Fort Custer National Cemetery with Rev. Ronald Anderson officiating and full military honors by the US Air Force. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Solid Rock Church 7025 Milo Rd. Delton MI, 49046. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
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