Joseph Paul Bender, age 89, of Owensboro, KY passed away on November 3, 2018, at his home. Born on December 8, 1928, he was the son of the late John L. and Mary Cecilia Hayes Bender. He spent eight years of service in the Navy and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He spent five and a half years aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore and was also the presidential guide to Harry S. Truman while stationed in Key West Florida. After his time in service, he went to work at the Green River Steel Mill where he retired as the Chief of Security.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cecilia Agnes Bender; his sisters, Mary Catherine Greenwell and Sister Mary Loyola Bender; and two brothers, George William Bender, and John Harold Bender.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rose Mary Bender; and three sons, Joseph Paul Bender, Jr., of Portland, OR, Stephen Wayne Bender and James Anthony Bender (Christie), both of Owensboro, KY.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Melissa Ann Carter (Brad), Sarah Elizabeth Blubaum (Ross), James Christopher Bender (Holli) and Mary Jennifer Carrico (Brad); and his great-grandchildren: Lane, Henry, Harry, Tim, Ben, and Kathrynn Grace Carter; Emilie Bender and Chase Blubaum; and Emma Rose.
The funeral mass will be noon Friday, November 9, 2018, at St. Stephen Cathedral with Fr. Jerry Riney officiating, followed by burial in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-7 Thursday. The rosary will be said at 5 pm. There will be visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 10 am until 11:30 am.
Expression of sympathy may take the form of donations to St. Stephens Church.