Timothy Bender

Timothy Joseph Bender was born Feb. 4, 1946, and lost a valiant, 33-year battle with multiple sclerosis, passing to God's Eternal Kingdom Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, from the COVID-19 virus, due to preexisting conditions.

Tim served in the U.S. Army as military police. He was stationed in Vietnam, when President Johnson was there, and was then sent to Thailand to escort the king and queen of Thailand and various dignitaries.

He worked as an electrician for Fru-Con for several years, but also worked on his own restoring historical properties. He had a great respect for older homes with which he worked.

Tim has two daughters from a previous marriage, Tracy Christine (Kevin F.) Fober and Angie (Shannon Y.) Bender Davis.

Tim or Timmy, as his close friends called him, married Brenda Kay Ellis on Feb. 27, 1982. Tim and his new bride left several months later for Florida to sail and to island hop for several weeks with his brother, Steve Bender, who passed away due to complications of M.S.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Brenda Kay Ellis Bender; daughters, Tracy C. (Kevin F.) Bender Fober and Angie (Shannon Y.) Bender Davis; sister, Nancy Bender Richards of Valicro, Florida; four grandchildren, Graeme, Emery, Carson and Temperance Davis; and several nieces and nephews spread across the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur H. and Mary Jo Yope Bender; and a brother, Stephen Bender.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Douglas Breite officiating.

Masks and social distancing are required.

Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society, 12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 320, Saint Louis, MO 63141 or Crown Hospice, 2858 Professional Court, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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