Thomas Bender Sr.

September 14, 1939 - February 24, 2020

Thomas J. Bender, Sr., 80, cherished husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle and friend of Canyon Ferry Lake in Helena, Montana, passed away after an extended illness on Monday, February 24, 2020 with his loving wife by his side. Tom was born September 14, 1939 in Fromberg, Montana to Andrew and Rose Bender. He attended Fromberg High School and after graduating he enlisted in the US Army, serving for 3 years. After being discharged from the army he met the love of his life, Cecelia Peterson and the two were married on October 13, 1960. They were married 59 years. Tom had a very diverse career path which included a butcher, a truck driver and work as a mobile home service manager, ultimately he became self-employed as a mobile home and RV repair specialist in Helena, MT. Tom was an avid outdoorsman enjoying fishing and hunting throughout his lifetime. He was famous for his smoked fish and his wild game jerky! He also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren whenever he could. One of his favorite sayings was: “keep er’ on the road, put your life jacket on over the dam and don’t take no wooden nickels!” Tom is survived by his wife, Cecelia, son Tom (Rachel) Bender, Jr., daughter Robin (Glenn) Lewis, all of Butte, MT and daughter Margie (Scott Robinson) Grant of Colorado and son Andy (Rinay) Bender of Helena, MT. Eight grandchildren: JT (Marissa) Bender, Britney Bender, Aubrey Reed, Emily Grant, Aidan Grant, Hanna Bender, Grace Bender and Luke Bender and two great-granddaughters, Jaylee and Kinsley Bender. Sisters, Darlene (Les) Essex and Vickie (Arlen) Tofslie all of Belgrade, MT and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, March 1st at the Fort Harrison Chapel, Fort Harrison Military Base. The interment of ashes will take place this summer at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Friends may join the family for a reception following the service at Yacht Basin Bar and Restaurant at Canyon Ferry Lake. In lieu of flowers the family would request donations made in Tom’s name to the Montana Veteran’s Foundation, Willis Cruse House, 1112 Leslie Avenue, Helena, MT. https://mtvf.org/donate/