Robert Bender

Robert "Bob" Dale Bender, II, age 67, was called to Heaven by his Lord & Savior on Friday, October 31st, 2014. He was surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, November 3, 2014 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11 am, Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, where Bob was a member. Additional visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta, IL, with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Bob was born in Decatur, Il on February 20, 1947, the son of Robert Dale Bender & Virginia (James) Bender. He graduated from Lakeview High School then attended Eastern Illinois University. Bob worked with his father in the family business, Bemco, Mfg. Bob was an extraordinary person! He never met a stranger. He could converse with anyone about anything and was kind to all. He was a physically, mentally & spiritually strong man. He was a gallant warrior for nearly 15 years in battling Dementia/Alzheimers & heart disease. Now he is at peace & rests eternally restored and cured of these devastating diseases! THANK YOU GOD! Bob was an Army veteran and served in Germany and Viet Nam. He was awarded the Army Commendation medal with "V" devise for Valor and Heroism from an enemy rocket attack at Camp Eagle, Republic of Viet Nam. He was voted into the Decatur Athletic Council Hall of Fame along with his 1965 Lakeview High School football teammates. The 1965 Lakeview Spartans were the first undefeated High School Football team in Decatur. Bob was an All City and All State Fullback and set records for yardage and touchdowns in a season. He married his High School sweetheart & soul mate; Lana (Bracken) Bender on July 15, 1967. They just celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Lana; daughter, Christiana Bender and her fiancé, Donnie Crutchfield, Jr.; son, Robert D. Bender, III; son, Ryan Bender & wife, Danielle; Grandsons, Corbyn Bender, Landyn Bender & Donnie Crutchfield, III; Granddaughter, Rylan Bender; Sisters, Janice (Harold) Christie, Jackie Bender; brother-in-law, Phillip Bracken; sister-in-law, Janet Bracken; & many nieces & nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Bob & Jinny Bender and in-laws, Bill & Chris Bracken and brother-in-law, Terry Bracken. Over this long, difficult and sad journey we have had many care givers help us keep Bob at home. The family would like to acknowledge some very special people. Doris, Patty, & Mary. Harbor Light Hospice team; CNA Marvelous Marilyn, CNA Ashley, RN Danielle, Chaplin Tim & Social Worker Jordan. We also acknowledge the VA Decatur clinic, especially RN Carol & Social Worker Janet. I Corinthians 13: 4-8 Love is patient and kind: love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on it's own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. LOVE NEVER ENDS! Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois Chapter, American Heart Association, Pilgrim Lutheran Church, or Macon County Honor Guard. "
}