Buddy G. Bender

Buddy G. Bender, 85, of Baytown passed from this earth into the arms of our Heavenly Father, on Monday, June 17, 2019. Visitation will be at Earthman Funeral Home on Friday, June 21, 2019 from 10:00 – 12:00 pm. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 with Pastor Karen Tyler officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Crest Cemetery.

Buddy was born in Cedar Bayou, TX on May 28, 1934 to Eunice & Pearl Bender. He attended Cedar Bayou Schools where he met and later married the love of his life, Claudine Teer, on July 3, 1953. While in high school, Buddy was an outstanding athlete and leader who dearly loved his school and the people associated. His most recent contribution to Cedar Bayou High School was helping to establish the historical museum located in the old post office building on Defee Street in Baytown, TX. Cedar Bayou Grace Methodist Church was another place which held a special meaning to Buddy. He was involved in many church activities, and he devoted his time by helping to schedule maintenance and building projects to care for the church facilities. Buddy enjoyed helping others as evidenced by his career of 34 years in the Sears service department. After retirement from Sears, Buddy began a second career working for NASA as a lab technician. He worked there for the next five years before retiring to enjoy his many hobbies and interests which included wood working, playing cards, country western dancing, tinkering in his shop, camping and spending time with friends. All who knew Buddy would say he loved a good story, prank or joke. Family was at the center of Buddy’s heart, and he enjoyed nothing more than spending time at family gatherings where he was certain to agitate at least one of his nieces, nephews, grandkids, or great grandkids.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Claudine of Baytown; two sons, Gary and wife Leigh Ann of Waco; Terry and wife Judy of Beach City. Grandkids: Adam and wife Rachael Bender of Lubbock, Aaron Bender of Waco, Laura Porterfield of Beach City, Brian Bender of San Francisco, and Keith Vajdak of Snook; Great-grandchildren: April Vajdak, Graham Bender, and Grayson Bender. Buddy is preceded in death by his granddaughter Susan Bender-Vajdak.

Pall Bearers are Adam Bender, Aaron Bender, Brian Bender, Jimmy Bender, David Teer, Brent Teer, Shane Creel, Jared Creel and Keith Vajdak. Honorary Pall Bearers are Graham and Grayson Bender.

A large part of Buddy’s life was devoted to Cedar Bayou Grace United Methodist Church and his love for Pastors John Newsom, Karen Tyler and Jose Pena. Therefore, in lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Cedar Bayou Grace United Methodist Church Building Fund.