John"Jack" Bender

John Edward Bender, “Jack”, passed away peacefully at home on March 20, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Jack was born February 1, 1941 in Fremont, Ohio to John A. Bender and Berneldis L. (Ziebold) Bender. He grew up in Fremont, attending St Ann School and St. Joseph High School. He went on to attend the University of Detroit obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree.

After graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force as a First Lieutenant, eventually being stationed at McConnell AFB in Wichita Kansas, where he met and married his wife Paula Marie (Andersen). He was promoted to Captain and became a Combat Crew Commander working with the Titan II Missile defense system during the late 1960’s.

After leaving the Air Force, the family moved to Toledo, Ohio and then Glen Ellyn, Illinois while Jack worked in dental sales. Changing his career path, he moved back to his hometown of Fremont, Ohio and enrolled at the University of Toledo. He graduated in 1979 with an advanced pharmacy degree and practiced retail pharmacy the rest of his career.

In 1985, Jack accepted a transfer with Revco Drugs to Bryan, Texas, where he worked as pharmacy and store manager until Revco pulled out of Texas and the store closed. Jack then worked at AppleTree, Kroger, Albertson’s and Target Pharmacy in Bryan and College Station, before retiring in 2008. He enjoyed working with the public and made many life-long friends.

Jack was an avid exercise enthusiast and he enjoyed working out, walking, jogging and riding his bike. He loved swimming and the outdoors. He especially enjoyed being with family, and particularly loved a challenging game of cards. He volunteered at St. Thomas Aquinas church and at the Brazos Church Pantry.

Jack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Paula, of College Station, daughter Kelly Bender of San Antonio, son Jeffrey Bender of Austin, daughter-in-law Susan Keyes, sisters Joan Byers of Fremont, Ohio, and Cynthia Irmen of Maumee, Ohio, brother-in-law Mark Irmen, seven nieces and nephews and their spouses, and eight great nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements include a Visitation on Sunday, March 25, 2018 from 6 – 8 PM, with a Rosary at 7 PM at Hillier Funeral Home of COLLEGE STATION. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 26, 2018, at 11 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church College Station.

The family would like to express our gratitude for the loving care Jack received from the staff of Encompass Hospice, especially Susan, Danielle and Andrea. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jack’s name to the Brazos Church Pantry or Catholic Charities of Central Texas.