Michael Wayne Bender

Michael Wayne Bender, 59, longtime Seminole resident died Monday, Feburary 6, 2012 at his home in Seminole. Michael was born March 5, 1952 in Wewoka, Oklahoma to John Jesse and Virginia Merita (Duncan) Bender. Michael moved to the Norman and Moore area for many years and attended and graduated from Norman High School and OSU Tech School. Michael moved back to Seminole in 1983 from Moore, Oklahoma He was a member of the Seminole Church of Christ and a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. Michael was employed at Seminole State College as a night housekeeping supervisor, and had previously worked at Coates Roofing in Seminole and Sterling Graham Pest and Weed Control. Michael was married to Roberta J. (Hickerson) Bender on September 3, 1982 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Michael is survived by his wife Roberta of the home in Seminole, his father John Bender of Norman, Oklahoma, son Ryan Pierce and his wife Cara of Moore, Oklahoma, daughters Terri Smith and her husband James of Shawnee, Oklahoma and Paula Mariott and her husband Paul of Seminole, Oklahoma. He is also survived by a brother Steve Bender of San Antonio, Texas, three sisters Susie Brady of Okemah, Oklahoma, Shirley Howell and Betty Joe Craig both of Seminole, Oklahoma and eight grandchildren; Destinie Kiser, Tashiana Watts, Macava Smith, Princella Smith, William Pierce, Kaleb Pierce, Kaylee Pierce and Joshua Mariott. His mother Merita Bender preceded Michael in death. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M., Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Seminole Church of Christ at 4200 Hwy 99N in Seminole with Chris Stinnett officiating and Arpoika Daniels assisting. Burial will follow at the Bender Family Cemetery. Casket Bearers will be Joshua Mariott, William and Kaleb Pierce, Arpoika Daniels, Brian Coates, David Duncan and Ted Hurt. Honorary Bearers will be Jack Mattingly, Sr., Cecil Sullivan, Syd Morgan and Ted Jordan. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations be made to the Seminole Church of Christ to help the family with Michael’s medical expenses. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: February 9, 2012, 2:00 PM Seminole Church of Christ located at 4200 Hwy 99N, Seminole, OK 74868