Gary Dale Bender
October 1, 1947 ~ December 18, 2020
Gary Dale Bender was born Oct. 1, 1947 in Russell KS. He was the oldest of two children born to Ernest H. and Helen R. (Templing) Bender. Gary passed away on December 18, 2020 in Wichita (Maize) Kansas.
Gary leaves his beloved wife of 31 years, Kathy, and their adult children and grandchildren to mourn his loss.
Gary grew up on a farm in Russell KS. He was baptized and confirmed at Bender Hill Lutheran Church. Gary and his family moved to Great Bend when he was in high school, where he graduated in 1965.
Gary moved to Wichita KS in 1965 where he attended Wichita State University, graduating with degrees in Accounting and Information Technology (IT).
Gary played the accordion with his family and was an avid horseshoe pitcher. He enjoyed all sports, but his favorites were baseball and softball. His love of baseball led him to play as pitcher for the WSU baseball team during his college years. Later he would play in competitive men’s softball leagues. He also enjoyed attending Wichita State basketball games. Gary loved spending time at the lake with his family. Many vacations and weekends were spent on the water skiing and boating.
Gary and Kathy eventually moved to Charlotte, NC where they lived for many years before retiring back to Wichita to be near family.
His faith was important to him and he was an active member of Pathway Church for many years.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Helen Bender; and brother-in-law, Dennis McGreevy. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; sister, Judy McGreevy; children, Jarrod (Tammy) Severeide, Heidi (Cory) Martin, Tobie (Brandon) Andrews, Jeremy (Misha) Bender; 9 grandchildren, Brady, Ryan, Bailey, Parker, Finley, Presley, Evan, Charlee, and Beck. In addition, he is survived by his nephew, Coy McGreevy, as well as aunts, Dorothy (Whit), Hilda and Linda.
Memorial Service will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, January 8, 2021, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Service will be Live Streamed and available to view by clicking “Watch Event” below.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Alzheimer’s Association of Wichita, 1820 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214 www.alz.org/cwkansas Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 215 W. Pershing Rd., Ste. 300, Kansas City, MO 64108 www.jdrf.org and Pathway Church, 2001 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, KS 67212 www.pathwaychurch.com
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Dear family, the Pickering family sends their love and sympathy.
We are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Kerri Bender Cushing
Kathy , Sorry to hear of about the passing of Gary. He was a good brother in Christ. I will miss the bible studies with him and our chats together. God Bless you and family. Stan Starkey
Our condolences to the entire Bender Family from the NexLearn Family.
I am Judi Stricker, wife of Tom Stricker, who grew up on a farm near the farm where Gary and his family lived. During some of the time that Gary spent in college at Wichita State, in the 60’s, Gary roomed with our family in Wichita. It was a good arrangement for Gary and for us. He paid a little rent, and we offered a family living condition for him. Those were good years for Gary and for us. A couple of years ago, we touched bases with Gary again. It was so good to hear from him again. our deepest sympathy to the family. Gary experienced a life well-lived.
Thank you for enabling me to be able to share the service for Gary. He would be very proud of his family. Love, Gt Aunt Ruth
Dear Kathy and Family, Gary will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Dennis, Peyton and Drew loved talking baseball with Gary. Love, Dennis, Melissa, Peyton and Drew Wardell
We have many fond memories of Gary and enjoyed a long friendship. His memorial service was perfect…loving, personal, honest, and respectful. So happy that the online platform was available to us during the COVID Pandemic. Our condolences and love to his family.
Watched Gary’s service, wish I could have been there. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers. Gary is again healthy and whole. Bless you all. Rhonda
Kathy and family, So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I worked with Gary at UNB years ago and remembering his as a kind and caring programmer and person. Knowing he is with the Lord now and peaceful will bring comfort. Barbara Eckerman