Galen Joseph Bender, 88, of De Soto died March 6, 2016, at Hillcrest Care Center in De Soto. Mr. Bender was self-employed and was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a member and past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge 2358 in California. He was a member of VFW Post 1831 in De Soto, Masonic Lodge 119 in De Soto and the Shriners. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, family and friends and liked watching Cardinal baseball games, fishing and golfing. Born Sept. 27, 1927, in San Francisco, Calif., he was the son of the late Joseph and Geraldine (Cox) Bender.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marion E. (Kelly) Bender, whom he married Sept. 9, 1970 in Mexico; three children: William (Pamela) Kennon of Keokuk, Iowa, Paul G. (Patricia) Kennon of De Soto and Kathy M. Bender of Irvine, Calif.; three grandchildren: Teri (David) Bruce, Chris (Ronald) Weimar and Dawn (Jay) Myers; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Visitation is scheduled for 11 a.m. and a memorial service for 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, at Mahn Funeral Home, 900 N. Main, in De Soto, officiated by Pastor Ray Meredith. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home.