Robert R. Bender

Bender, Robert R, age 91, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2019 in Canal Winchester, Ohio. Survived by his son, Jeffrey L. Bender.

Born on November 27, 1927 to the late Charles (Max) & Mary (McDevitt) Bender. He was the only son of their loving family of four daughters. Of his formative years growing up on the South End of Columbus, Bob had many wonderful stories to tell. One would consider themselves very fortunate to be able to listen to his oral history of these bygone years when parents were comfortable in allowing their children the freedom of wondrous adventures in a growing city; walking or riding their bikes for miles to explore, perfecting their campfire cooking skills in their makeshift camps on vacant city lots, and the time his band-of-friends took the late 1930’s city challenge: a quarter for every Pigeon they could catch to help the city control the growing population of these birds on the State House lawn.

Bob attended Corpus Christi Church & School, where his parents were devoted members. His academic leadership was recognized and he was enrolled in Aquinas High School in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated with excellence in June 1945. At this time, WWII was still engaged and Bob was drafted into the United States Army where he soon became an instructor in the Army Strategic Communication School; focusing on Morse Code. It was during these Army years that he also enjoyed & perfected his boxing skills.

In late 1947, Bob returned to civilian life on the South Side of Columbus. Once home, he met and fell in love with Norma J. (Henry) Bender, who preceded him in death. They married on June 2, 1950. Together they helped manage a family owned business. Throughout the years, they took numerous traveling adventures, enjoyed their winter home in Florida, and loved spending tranquil summers at their cottage on beautiful Buckeye Lake; always welcoming family & friends. Moreover, he loved and nurtured many family pets throughout the years; most recently a loving stray black cat that would hop on his lap every morning to greet him.

It has truly been a beautiful life, but not without tragedy. In June 1967, when Bob was working at his family business, he was shot in an attempted robbery; losing sight in both eyes. Bob was instantly blind at the age of 40. With the tremendous help of his loving wife & son, family, friends & the South End community, Bob was able to turn a tragedy into a triumph. He continued his love of life by learning Braille, training with Pilot Dogs to maintain independence, listening to CORRS (Central Ohio Radio Reading Service) to keep himself informed, helping to continue their successful family business, and so much more.

Bob was loved by many. He leaves to morn his loving & devoted son Jeff, his younger twin sisters Sue & Sylvia Bender, many wonderful nieces & nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to: VoiceCorps: Reading Service at:
https://www.voicecorps.org/index.php?option=com_jdonation&view=donation&campaign_id=1&Itemid=147