Robert "Bob" Bender

Robert (Bob) Bender, 81, passed away at St. Clare Hospital in Fenton on March 21, 2026. He was born and raised in St. Louis, MO by the late Charles and Helen (nee Zander) Bender. Upon high school graduation, Bob enlisted in the Air Force, spending four years working in electronics, transitioning to a 30+ year career at Southwestern Bell Company in a number of managerial roles. Bob then retired, devoting his time to the building trades and the local animal shelter, because he never met a dog that he couldn't befriend.

Surviving are his wife of 22 years, Barbara (nee Kutterer). He was the cherished father and grandfather of sons Tony (Julie) Bender, Tim (Jenn) Bender, and grandsons Hayden Bender, Luke Bender, Blake Bender, and Caleb Bender. He was the loving stepfather and step-grandfather of stepsons Thad (Kerry) Haas, Mike (Dalila) Haas, Jacob Haas, and step-grandchildren, Brayden Haas, Annika Haas, and Madelyn Haas. He is also survived by his sister, Sister Mary Bender and a brother, Richard (Carol) Bender.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles Bender.

The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to: Dogwood Animal Shelter, 1075 Runabout Drive, Osage Beach, MO 65065, where Bob dedicated over twenty years of volunteer service.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for family and friends in mid-April.