Donald Dale Bendell

In 1954 he graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with a Bachelor's Degree in Petroleum Refining Engineering.

He joined the Air Force to fulfill a long desire to fly. He was tested with a large group of applicants at Lowry AFB in Denver and was selected as the highest scoring applicant. In 1955 he came to Lackland AFB in San Antonio to begin Pre- flight training and completed training as a distinguished graduate. Further training led him to be selected as Cadet Wing Commander and again was a distinguished graduate with the highest scores in acrobatic flying in the history of that training wing. In the second part of flight training, he was commissioned as a Second Lt, awarded his wings and graduated first in class academically and second in flight. During his Air Force service, he earned the prestigious Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Don was a Phantom RF - 4C fighter pilot for the United States Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. He also loved to fly the F 101B and the T34.

He retired as a Major after serving 22 years in the Air Force. He then went on to have another successful 20 year career (1975-1995) as Vice President of Clementson Engineers, petroleum and natural gas refining. After he retired, he continued to do consulting well into his 80’s.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 27 years, June Gingrass Bendell. Don and June were brought together by June’s daughter Tracy Gingrass.

He is also survived by his 3 daughters and their families; Donna and Rory Otto, their sons, Devin, Carsen and Blake; Nancy and Stacey Behrend, their sons, Wyatt and Stockton; and Karen and Mark Fraley, their sons, Dalton and Logan.

Don also gained daughters Tracy, Kellye (Steve), a son Brian (Angela) and six grandchildren from June’s side of the family.

Don was a kind and generous man supporting many charities. He was a valued volunteer at Ft Sam Houston (BAMC) repairing hospital beds and wheelchairs.He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who is deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to some of his favorite charities Meals on Wheels, Humane Society of San Antonio, The Children's Hospital of San Antonio and Tunnel to Towers

Donald Dale Bendell's Final Resting Place will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Column 3, Row W5, Site A62.