IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Kenneth L.
Bender
August 20, 2011
Obituary
ELKHART -- Kenneth L. Bender, 63, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011 after a brief illness.
He spent his days surrounded by his family and many friends at the Begley farm he loved so well. A beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, Kenny was a lifelong resident of Elkhart. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast.
He was born on Oct. 21, 1947 in Elkhart to Kenneth and Emily (Melkus) Bender. Following the death of his father, he was raised by Bud and Norma Berry of Elkhart. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Ginger (Brian) Hartman of Niles, Mich., Trina (Peewee) Craft of Bristol and Heidi Bjoraas of Elkhart; his sisters, Shirley (Chuck Popke) Herald of Elkhart and Kelli (Alex) Robertson of Manchester, Tenn.; four grandchildren; a great-grandson due in November; 10 nieces and nephews; and his companion, Traci Welch. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Sally Godshalk and Patricia Moran; and adoptive father Bud Berry.
Kenny owned Bender Trucking and later worked as a wholesale auto buyer before retiring. Known as "KB" to his buddies, he loved riding his Harley and spent many happy days as a member of A-Alley. He found the best in people and was a truly good soul. He was a wonderful, loving father, brother and friend and will be forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew him.
Known for his kind heart and generous spirit, he was blessed with many friends and lived a life well-loved.
Friends and family will be received Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. at Billings Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior. The Rev. Keith McFarren will officiate. Military honors by the USMC Honor Guard will be rendered at the conclusion of the service. Cremation will follow and his cremated remains will be interred at a later date in his family plot in Five Points Cemetery, Edwardsburg, Mich.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth L. Bender, please visit our flower store.
