WILLIAM NEIL BEDENBENDER

Tuesday, October 4, 2011
BEDENBENDER

William Neil Bedenbender, 85, of rural Neosho Falls, Kan., went to be with our Lord on Oct. 1, 2011. Neil was born Feb. 24, 1926, on a farm in southeast Coffey County, the son of Oscar and Ethel Kate Bradley Bedenbender.

He graduated from Colony High School and served in the United States Navy in the Pacific during World War II.

On Nov. 28, 1949, Neil married Thelma Louise Tidd in Neosho Falls at her parent's home. They lived and farmed in the Neosho Falls and Geneva areas.

He served on the boards of the Piqua Coop, LeRoy Coop and U.S.D. 257 School District. He was a former Mason and Shriner.

Neil enjoyed woodworking.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Thelma Bedenbender of the home; three sons, Jerry Bedenbender and wife Jeanne of Meridian, Idaho, Dave Bedenbender and wife Diane of Neosho Falls, Kan., and D.J. Bedenbender and wife Sheila of Fort Scott, Kan.; eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Duane, his parents, Oscar and Kate Bedenbender, and a sister, Irene Hodges.

Friends and family will meet at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, Kan., at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, for visitation before leaving for graveside services at the Geneva Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Chaplain Lloyd W. Houk will officiate.

Memorials may be given to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.