Herbert Bender

Herbert Paul Buck Bender, 74, of the Wesley Community died Jan. 30, 2007, in a Bryan hospital. Mr. Bender was born Feb. 8, 1932, in the Wesley Community of Washington County, Texas, to Paul and Ernestina Brinkmeyer Bender. He was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church of Welcome. Mr. Bender attended Wesley School and Blinn College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Alaska. On Oct. 19, 1957, he was married to Judith Wassermann at St. Mary s Catholic Church of Brenham. Mr. Bender was employed for 35 years with Blue Bell Creameries, where he was a supervisor of route sales. He was a member of Wesley Brethren Church, where he was an elder and was serving as treasurer. Mr. Bender was also a member of the American Legion, the Latium-Wesley-Greenvine Fire Department, Wesley Shooting Club, Harmonie Hall of Shelby and a life member of Beefmaster Breeders Universal Association. His friends knew him as the mayor of Wesley because he would drive around checking on everything and giving reports as the local weather observer of the community. With a love for sports, Mr. Bender coached and managed Little League baseball and enjoyed the University of Texas football games. He was an avid deer hunter, loved to read the paper and socialize at the Green Door and Welcome Store. Mr. Bender enjoyed his cattle and visiting his ranches in San Saba and Burleson counties. He loved his family, children and grandchildren and his involvement with his son s business, Kountry Boys Sausage. Survivors include his wife Judy Bender of Wesley; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Debbie Bender of Wesley; daughter, Shelly Steele of Wesley; four grandchildren, Todd Steele, Brooke Steele, Megan Bender and McKenzie Bender; sister, Elsie Vierus of Wesley; and mother-in-law, Anna Wassermann of Brenham; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Anita Bender, Anna Rose and Lloyd Brandt and Hugo Babe and Susan Wassermann, all of Brenham; and his special dog, Joe. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Henry; father-in-law, Hugo Wassermann; and brother-in-law, Wilbert Vierus. The family will receive visitors from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 at Wesley Brethren Church with Rev. Michael Groseclose officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren; godchildren, Latrell Jankowiak and Darlene Konieczny; members of Wesley Brethren Church and all his friends at Blue Bell Creameries. Memorials may be given to Wesley Brethren Church.