Donald R. Bender, 91, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning, October 3, 2023 at Lawrence County Manor in Mount Vernon, Missouri.

Born November 16, 1931, in Edwardsville, Kansas, he was the son of Charles Thomas and Amelia Elizabeth (Deatherage) Bender. He was raised in Kansas City, Kansas, and later Ozawkie, Kansas graduating from Ozawkie High School in 1950.

Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War.  Following his honorable discharge in 1954, he moved to Garnett, Kansas, where he began his career in the oil field.  In 1957, he married Nancy Wood in Miami, Oklahoma.  The couple moved to Winfield where they raised their three children.  The couple later divorced.

He was united in marriage to Ella "Lee" Asbury on August 31, 1974, in Winfield.  The couple made their home in Winfield.  Don spent most of his career working in the oil field.  Don and Lee also owned and operated a restaurant at Strother Field Airport as well as a couple of restaurants in Winfield.  Lee preceded him in death on January 20, 2002.

Don rekindled his relationship with Nancy Roark in 2002.  They remained close and cared for each other until Nancy's passing in September 2007.  In 2008, he met Alma Chappell at the Fun Barn in Winfield.  He maintained residence in both Winfield and Missouri during the relationship.

He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, junking, watching Westerns, Kansas City Chiefs Football, and KU Basketball.  He also enjoyed supporting his grandchildren and great grandchildren in their sporting events and other dreams they pursued.

His family includes his companion Alma Chappell of Aurora, MO; his children, Michael R. Baldwin (Jan) Plymouth, IN; Angela Shear (Elden) Winfield; Pamela Bender (Joe Zanardi) Winfield; his step-children, William Blake (Pat) Chula Vista, CA; Richard Blake Great Bend; Michael Asbury (Tonya) Winfield; J.R. Chappell (Teresa) Cassville, MO; Dean Chappell (Sammy) Aurora, MO; Ann Metcalf (Terry) Marionville, MO; his sisters, Francis Woody Hobbs, NM; Peggy Price Bethany, MO; his grandchildren, Jada, Megan, Melissa, Eric, Diana, Priscilla, Katie, Deena, Bobby, Cindy, Blake, Matthew, Justin, Cassie, Karla, Jennifer, Tanya, Joshua; and his 40 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wives, Don was preceded in death by his brothers Dean Bender, Roy Bender, Earl Bender, and Tommy Bender, his sister Vera Corum; his daughters, Pam Miller and Connie Beaumont, grandchildren, Sherry Vasquez, Brad Vasquez, Craig Beaumont, Jessica Asbury, and two great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service.  Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.  A visitation is scheduled at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 to 8 P.M.  The family will greet visitors from 6 to 8 that evening.

A memorial has been established in Don's name for the VFW Post #3544.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Mr. Bender's funeral service will be livestreamed at the following link: