Thomas Michael Bender

To know Tom Bender was to know a humble and wise man, a devoted husband, a thoughtful and engaged father, a wild and creative grandfather, and a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. He was born in Wisconsin Rapids to Robert and Dolores Bender along with his five brothers and sisters. He attended the United States Air Force Academy and served his nation faithfully. For the last 23 years, Tom raised his six kids in Wellington with his beautiful wife of 39 years, Mary Jane Bender. Tom worked for several decades as a commercial airline pilot and then took up real estate, until he fell on his true passion, being Papa Tom to his nine grand kids. Tom will be greatly missed by his beloved wife and best friend Mary Jane; his children Amy and Matt Neely, Tricia and Matt Austin, Bob and Amy Bender, Molly and Tim Chism, Tim Bender, and Stephen Bender; his grandchildren Addison, Ethan, Hannah, Olivia, Noah, Patrick, Josiah, Bethany, and Tobias; his siblings John, Patty, Dan, Rick, and Barbie; and anyone who had the great privilege of meeting him. The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life service at Palms West Funeral Home [110 Business Park Way; Royal Palm Beach, FL 33414] from 5-7pm on Friday, October 10. Please dress colorfully and don't wear black. The service will begin at 6pm. There will be a memorial mass at 11am on Saturday, October 12 at St. Therese de Lisieux [11800 Lake Worth Rd., Wellington, FL 33449]. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Care Women's Clinic [www.first-care.org]