Our brother Michael has passed away. Michael Edward Bender was born on May 13, l961, the fourth child of Ed and Barbara Bender, who preceded him in death. He attended Guardian Angels Grade School and Hogan High. Mike rarely lived outside the Westport area. 64111 was home.
Mike's first job was at Hardees on 43 St. He also worked for his Uncle Tom at the Amoco Station on Holmes. He was a bouncer at the Guacamole Grill and most recently worked the customer service desk at Ward Parkway Lanes. He was laid off from this position when Covid 19 closed many businesses, The job Mike was most proud of was working with our dad and his siblings at Bender's Tavern, He was in his element; drawing beer, cooking and serving food and swapping stories with the patrons. Oh, the stories he could tell (and so can we) about the characters he would meet.
No matter where Mike went, he would run into someone he knew. He would often call to remind us what a small world it is.
Big Mike was a music lover of many genres. Classic rock and classic soul were his favorites. He loved to share that music with family and friends. He could belt out "What a Wonderful World" just like Louis Armstrong; imitate Curley from the Three Stooges and was in the process of perfecting his imitation of "whispering" Joe Biden,
Big Mike loved to grill and often shared pictures of his creations. Rain or shine, snow or sleet, hell or high water, Mike was outside grilling.
Mike is survived by his siblings: Ed (Rose), Vicky (Rusty), Don (Kathy), Lou Ann, and Jim (Debbie); nephews Chris (Amber) and Donny (Cassie); nieces Amber (Kyle) and Ashley; step- grandmother, Betty; uncle, Jack; aunts, Charlotte, Mary Kay, Leota, and Paula along with 23 first cousins and their families. We also mention Mike's grade school buddies Tom K., Frank, Luke, Tony, Vince, John and Tom R.
Big Mike was funny, humble, and kind. We love and will miss you, Mike. Go rest high!
A visitation will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 43rd and Mercier, Kansas City, Missouri with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be made to: Guardian Angels Food Pantry, 1310 Westport Rd., Kansas City, Missouri 64111
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