Ernest H. Ernie Bender, 95, died July 16, 2010 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born February 5, 1915 at Bender Hill, Russell County, Kansas, the son of David H. and Mary E. (Dietz) Bender. He married Helen Rosa Templing September 1, 1946 at Russell, Kansas. She died February 29, 2008. A Great Bend resident since 1961, coming from the Bender Hill area, he was a farmer and custodial engineer for Unified School District 428, Great Bend, and also worked in the oilfield. Mr. Bender was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3111, American Legion Argonne Post 180, all of Great Bend; and Cheyenne Horseshoe Club. He was an avid gardener and horseshoe enthusiast; and he enjoyed fishing and playing Pitch, Rook, and Aggravation. Survivors include one son, Gary Bender and wife Kathy, Maize, Kansas; one daughter, Judy McGreevy and husband Dennis, Great Bend; two sisters, Hilda Dietz, Russell; and Linda Coe, McPherson, Kansas; three grandchildren: Heidi Martin and husband Cory; Jeremy Bender and wife Misha; and Coy McGreevy; two step-grandchildren: Jarrod Severeide and Tobie Andrews and husband Brandon; five great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Bender and Ruben Bender; and one sister, Tabea Bender. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 19, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Reverend James A. Strasen will officiate. Burial with military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, July 18, 2010 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to Trinity Lutheran Church, in care of the funeral home.