Donald Lee Bender's Obituary
Born July 10, 1933 in Carroll, Iowa, to Harold and Hazel Bender, Don was baptized into the body of Christ December 18, 1933 and raised on a rural farm in the small town of Glidden, Iowa, graduating from Glidden High School. He attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa where he was active in the ROTC, sports, and Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, graduating in 1954. On October 16, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet. Don went on to proudly serve in the United States Air Force until 1958, attaining the rank of Captain. Through many years of diligence and hard work, Donald became the consummate professional in all levels and capacities of the dairy industry, providing executive leadership for various renowned corporations throughout the country, including Hawaii, until retiring in 1996. In addition to his many professional successes, Don remained a devoted and loving husband and father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Donald was a passionate, long standing member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, beginning in 1969, when the church was but a relatively small, burgeoning congregation located in Richardson, TX. He served our Lord in many roles within the church, including president and elder, and retained his affection and loyalty to the Messiah family throughout numerous job related relocations. Donald is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Janet; their children Kathy Grayson, Linda Bender, Steve Bender and his wife Micaela, Tim Bender and his wife Michele; their grandchildren Amber Davis, Blake Bender, Nathan Grayson, Katie Grayson, Madison Timmons, Samantha Timmons, Blae Morgan, and Danielle Gavitts; and great grandchildren Kendal Davis and Kaleb Davis. He is preceded in death by his parents, and beloved brother, Jerry Bender. Services will be held at 1:00 pm, April 11, 2015 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1801 West Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75075, with a brief reception to follow. All friends and relatives are welcome. Don will be laid to rest at Restland, Dallas, TX, in a private interment for family only. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Messiah Lutheran Church. Prayers, condolences, and memories are gladly welcomed at https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/obituaries.
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