Kenneth E. “Gene” Bender

Greensburg- Kenneth E. “Gene” Bender, 86, died June 9, 2015 in Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center , Wichita, Kansas. He was born February 25, 1929, in rural Kiowa County, Kansas, the son of Edward Fabian and Mildred (Converse) Bender. A lifetime resident of Kiowa County, Gene was a Cattleman/ Farmer. He graduated from Mullinville High School in 1947, and Served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Memberships include the First United Methodist Church, Star of Hope Chapter #193 of the Order of Eastern Star, Kiowa Masonic Lodge #293, V.F.W., and the Kiowa County Senior Citizens Board, all of Greensburg and was a member of Beefmaster Breeders United. On July 1, 1953 Gene married Jerry Eileen Kelly in Honolulu, Hawaii. She preceded him in death. Survivors include two daughters Lana Jo Bundy, and Kelly Bender, and one Grandson Devin Bundy, all of Greensburg. Gene was preceded in death by a son Patrick Evan Bender, his parents, and a brother Duane Bender. Funeral Services and celebration of Gene’s life will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church, Greensburg, with Pastor Terry Mayhew officiating. Burial with Military and Masonic services will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Greensburg. The family will greet friends 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at Fleener Funeral Home. In addition to flowers and plants, memorials may be given to the local chapters of the American Cancer Society and the V.F.W., in care of Fleener Funeral Home, 514 S. Main St., Greensburg, KS, 67054