Benny Lee Bender

Benny Lee Bender, 69, of Chilton Texas, went home to be with his Heavenly Father and beautiful wife on August 26, 2023. A Visitation with the family will be 1pm, Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home with a Memorial Service following at 2pm with William deGraffenried officiating.

Benny was born on November 10, 1953 to Hertha (Reigel)and Lester Bender in Odessa Texas. He grew up with four siblings and loving parents all over West Texas.

There he learned the value of hard work and serving his community. Following in his two older brothers footsteps, he graduated from the police academy in June of 1979.

He spent the next forty four years serving as a peace officer and jailor. Most notably being a deputy sheriff for Falls county from June 1, 1981 to December 31, 1996. He also served on the Marlin and Calvert Police departments and ended his career as a jailor for McLennan county on November 11, 2015.

On February 19, 1989 he married his sweetheart and best friend, Sherry. Where for the next 34 years they shared everything life had to offer. Together they raised 6 kids creating the most loving blended family. Benny loved nothing more than being a husband, dad, and Opa.

Benny loved his church family and was a long time member of First Baptist Chilton. Benny was loved and cherished by wife, kids, grandkids, and everyone whom had the pleasure of knowing him. He was preceded in death by his son, Randy and wife, Sherry.

Left to Cherish his memories, are his daughter, Leah Kinard and husband Truett; sons, Albert Bender, Mark and wife Deanna Thompson, Bruce Thompson, Paul Thompson. Grandchildren, Hudson, Makenzie, Mason, Adalyn, Whitney and husband Joseph, Kasey, Randal; great grandchildren, Avery, Rylee, and Tatum. Sisters Charlotte Phipps, Dolores Jamison, numerous nieces and nephews.