James Howard Bender

Howard Bender, age 77, of Colorado City, died Monday morning in a local hospital. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, December 21, 2013 at the House of Hope Community Church in Colorado City with Rev. Floyd Green officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Kiker-Seale Funeral Home.

Howard was born May 9, 1936 in Sylvarena, Mississippi to A.B. and Christine Lewis Bender and had been a longtime resident of Colorado City. He was a retired welder and a veteran of the US Navy.

He is survived by 3 daughters: Christine Holloman of Hayward, CA, Joyce Marie Smith of Lubbock, TX and Darlene Bender of Richmond, CA; 2 sisters: Maudie and husband, Connie Johnson of Topeka, KS and Bobbie and husband, Russell Banks of Colorado City and a sister-in-law, Velma Bender; 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by 2 brothers: Dewitt Bender and Milton Bender and 3 sisters: Lee Verda Johnson, Mae Lillian Pierce and Billie Murray.

The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made to the Friends of the Library, Heart of West Texas Museum or Mitchell County Hospital Foundation.