William Cassell Bender

He worked for Shell Oil Co. before joining the Navy, receiving his commission and Naval Aviator's wings in Oct. 1941.

During WWII, he piloted PB4Y-1's B-24 in the Pacific, earning four Distinguished Flying Crosses and six Air Medals for heroism. In his 24-year naval career, he served in FL, CA, HI, VA, Washington D.C., Italy, Iceland, and the Persian Gulf.

Upon retiring from the service, he lived in Northern VA, working for the Navy Dept., and then moved to San Antonio in1978 to enjoy full retirement.

He was a low handicap golfer and shrewd poker player. Preceding him in death are his wife of 42 years, Charlotte Andreasen Bender; Georgia Payne, with whom he then shared 13 years of happiness, and his son, William Charles Bender, in 2004.

Billy is survived by his wife, Marie Woodson Bender, of San Antonio, whom he wed in 2000. He and Marie were engaged for a period in 1939 when both were at Rice University. Also surviving him are his daughter, Carolyn Bender Winterble and husband, Charles, of Yorktown, VA. and a granddaughter, Natasha Cutright, of Mead, CO.