William “Bill” Bender, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 3, 2021, after a long illness at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron, Missouri. Bill was born on March 2, 1928, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Ola Howard and Esther Elizabeth (Gelhar) Bender. Bill was one of eight siblings. He served in the United States Navy as an Engineman Third Class from March 6, 1946, until December 31, 1947. He served in the Marinna Islands in the South Pacific during World War II. Bill married Ruby Clarabelle DeWalt on August 23, 1949. Bill loved gardening, sharing his produce, working on his ten-acre farm, and working on and restoring antique cars.
He is survived by his children, Michael R. Bender, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Roger B. (Sandra) Bender, of Alcester, South Dakota; three grandchildren, Heather Jean Goodin, Carissa Maria Winchester, and Christopher Michael Bender; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Clarabelle; son, William D. Bender; brothers, Robert, James, Charles, and Harry; sisters, Florence, Margaret, and Maxine; and his wonderful companion of thirteen years, Norma Joan McCrea.
A visitation will be held Friday, September 10, 2021, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Bross and Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo., followed by internment at Hillcrest Cemetery with military honors at 2:00 p.m.
