Frank Bender

Frank William Bender, 83, of Brenham, husband of Audrey Louise Bender, passed away November 14, 2013 at St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, November 18, 2013 at Memorial Oaks Chapel, with Pastor Ross Shelton officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park in Wharton, Texas. Visitation will be held from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Frank Bender was born December 15, 1929 in Sealy to Albert and Vera Bernette Garling Bender. He attended Sealy area schools, and was employed by Pennzoil for many years. On October 7, 1950, he was married to Audrey James in First Baptist Church of Boling. Frank and Audrey made their home in Kingman, Arizona for a number of years, where he donated countless hours to physically and mentally challenged kids. He was president of the Kingman Lions Club, and chartered a Lions Club in Golden Valley, Arizona while serving as president of the Kingman Lions Club. Frank had a special place in his heart for children. He delighted young and old alike portraying Santa Claus for 50 years, and was the main attraction for children in many local Christmas celebrations in Washington County. Local memberships included 40 years with the Brenham Evening Lions Club and 20 years in the Brenham Optimist Club, as well as many years of service to the Washington Co. Youth Soccer League, the Brenham Little League Association, and the Little Dribblers League. He was well known and admired by many young people in Washington County, and enjoyed countless hours enthusiastically cheering them on in baseball, soccer, and basketball games. He selflessly committed much of his spare time and energy to many young people in this area. Survivors include his wife, Audrey Bender of Brenham; son Ricky Franklin Bender of Temple; daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Donald Campbell of Brenham; grandchildren: Jason and Sally Bender, Joey Bender, Patrick and Angie Wallace, Clayton and Melissa Wallace, Rod and Joane Campbell, Jeff and Debbie Campbell, Shelly and Ted DeYoung, Steve and Jenny Campbell, Renee and Rocco Pepe, and Steven Bender. In addition, he is survived by 20 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law Earl and Mary Bender of Kingman, Arizona, and Albert Bender of Madisonville; sister Ruby Dierks and Vera Yates and husband Arnold, all of Kingman, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Vera Bender, brothers Vernon, Wilburn, Lester and Harry Bender, and sisters Bernice Bender, Dorothy Fojtek, Luella Ludwig, Anamay Coker, and Betty Jean Harvey. Serving as pallbearers are Bill Dodson, Albert Bender, Lewis Fortenberry, Terry Sumner, James Sumner, Tommy Muessy, and Terrol Womack. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be directed to Brenham Lions Club. Funeral arrangements for Frank William Bender are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.