Freeport
Gary D. "Giz" Bender Sr., 65, of Freeport, died Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at his home.
Born May 24, 1943 in Freeport he was the son of Guy and Harriet (Layton) Bender. He married Nancy L. Copoulos February 3, 1968.
He worked for Newell Companies for 35 years retiring in May of 2003.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
An avid Cub and Bear fan Gary enjoyed golfing, bowling, baseball, and trips to the Casino.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy; 1 son, Gary D. (Belinda) Bender Jr; 1 sister, Dixie (Elmer) Zettle; 2 brothers, James Bender and Jerry (Nickee) Bender all of Freeport; 3 grandchildren, Tiffany Bender and Tabitha Dowman both of Freeport, and Amber Santos of California; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 6 sisters; and 3 brothers.
Funeral service will be Saturday 10:30 a.m. at Walker Mortuary with Reverend Sharon Batten officiating. Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be Friday 4 to 7 p.m. at Walker Mortuary where at 7 p.m. there will be a service conducted by the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
I n lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for FHN Memorial Hospice.
Gary's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, or light a candle in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.