Arthur Bender

Arthur J. Bender, 72, of Cape Girardeau passed away Sunday, July 22, 2007, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born May 4, 1935, in St. Louis, son of Adolf H. and Flora Marshall Bender. He and Cecelia Borchelt were married May 27, 1956, in Egypt Mills.

Arthur worked at the former Huckstep Oil Co. more than 10 years, and worked at Procter & Gamble 23 years, retiring in 1995.

He enjoyed wood crafting, especially creating dulcimers, and could often be seen at the Black Forest Craft Festival.

Art was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church at Egypt Mills 38 years, and was a former elder, trustee, usher and Sunday school superintendent.

He and his wife were involved in mission work in the church, and personally.

Loving survivors include his wife, Cecelia of 51 years; two sons, Tim (Anna) Bender of Jackson, Steven R. Bender of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Cindi Norris of Cape Girardeau, Linda (Marty) Fowler of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Al (Lil) Bender of Chicago; three sisters, Ruth (Clyde) Warren of Centerville, Ky., Selma Davis of Arnold, Mo., Thelma (John) McInerney of Frisco, Texas; five grandchildren, Jessica and Kelsey Norris, Corey and Hayden Fowler, and Catlin Bender.

He was preceded in death by three sisters.

Friends may call today from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, and after 10 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Egypt Mills.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Kevin Olson officiating. Interment will follow in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach Church, c/o Pastor Jacobs, P.O. Box 401, Winnebago, Neb., 68071.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family on-line at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.