Kenneth Bender

Kenneth Eugene Bender died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the age of 97.

Kenneth Bender

Kenneth Bender

He was born at home Sept. 7, 1925, in Cape Girardeau to Martin Gottfried and Elinor Hermine Wilder Bender.

At 17, Kenneth enlisted in the Army Air Corps and, after graduating from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1943, he was called to active duty. He proudly served during World War II in the Pacific Theater as central fire control gunner on the B-29 Superfortress bomber. During his service, he co-invented the non-synchronous fire interrupter, which was then installed on B-29s to prevent friendly fire among allied forces. Kenneth received the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars and two Presidential citations, as well as the Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award in 2013.

He attended Southeast Missouri State College, participating in the a cappella glee choir. On a regional choir tour, Kenneth went dancing with his future wife, Martha Ellen Stovall. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration on May 24, 1948. Martha graduated from SEMO the morning of May 15, 1950, and later that afternoon they were married at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. As charter members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Kenny and Martha chaired the church's 50th anniversary celebration.

Kenneth was the co-owner and operator of Jackson Oil Co. with Martha's brother, Earl Stovall Jr., and he was a dedicated community volunteer. He was a Cape Girardeau Public Library governing board member, past president of the Noon Lions Club and participated in the construction of Red House Interpretive Center. He was also on the board of directors and past president of Chateau Girardeau, and a founding and continuous board member of Wood & Huston Bank, serving until his death. He was a literature and financial enthusiast, as well as golfer, reader, woodworker, tinkerer and ice cream lover.

Kenny and Martha celebrated 71 anniversaries together with memorable vacations, family gatherings and a newsworthy, 50-car parade of family and well-wishers commemorating their 70th.

Kenneth is survived by his two daughters, Rebecca (John) Van Wagner of Blairsville, Georgia, and Kimberly (Ron) Foltz of Tallahassee, Florida; four adoring grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was the life force and cornerstone of his family and is deeply missed by them all.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 71 years, Martha Bender; grandson, Clayton Bender Van Wagner; and siblings, Louise Bender Roth, Edward Martin Bender and Margaret Bender Cruce.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 17, at the church, with burial to follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery and a luncheon at the church.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Andrew Lutheran Church or River Heritage Museum.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.