Lowell Edward Bender

Lowell Edward Bender, 83, of Smithville, Mo., passed away, Sunday, January 30, 2005, peacefully at home.

He was born on September 2, 1921 to John Edward and Ellen Higgins (Hoy) Bender in Liberty, Mo., and in 1936 the family moved to Smithville. Lowell attended Smithville High School and entered the United States Marine Corp in 1942. He was medically discharged in January, 1945 from wounds received on Guam Island in WWII. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

On June 14, 1945 Lowell was united in marriage to Bettie Jane Makings. After their marriage they lived in Smithville, where they made their home.

Lowell was a Mechanic, Carpenter, Farmer and operated a Livestock Trucking business. Later he was Groundskeeper and Traffic Director for the Smithville Public Schools.

He was devoted to his Lord and served as Deacon, Elder and Board Chairman of Hoover Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Lt. William B. Bender.

Lowell is survived by his wife, Bettie, of the home, daughters: Diana Lynn Perkins and husband, Mike; Smithville, MO; Nancy Jo Little and husband, Richard, Clever, MO; Deborah Sue Herbst and husband, Robert, Carthage, MO; grandchildren: Michelle Perkins, Minneapolis, MN, Kelley Perkins, Chattanooga, TN. Timothy Perkins, Liberty, MO; Ryan Little and Jeffrey Little, Kansas City, MO, and Christopher and Taylor Herbst, Carthage, MO, one sister, Lois Bogart, Kansas City, MO; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

FUNERAL SERVICES: 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 2nd at the Hoover Christian Church.
BURIAL: I.O.O. F. Cemetery, Smithville
VISITATION: 6:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville

Contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund at Hoover Christian Church.