Frank was born on August 23, 1934 in Zenith, Washington at the home of his maternal grandparents. He was the second of six children and the oldest son born to Herbert Emmanuel and Dorothy (Hotchkiss) Bender. Frank attended schools in Seattle at Bryant and Olympic View Elementary and John Marshall Jr. High Schools. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1953, and was a proud Rough Rider.
After high school, Frank worked in the printing industry for two years. In 1955, feeling God's call to full-time ministry, Frank entered Northwest Bible Institute (now Northwest University) in Kirkland. He graduated in 1959, with a BA degree in Theology, and minors in music and history.
Also in 1955,Frank met Erma LaVon Johannes at a youth Bible Study. They were married on August 17, 1956 and enjoyed more than 60 years together. Frank and Erma had five children: Christie Lee; Joyce Elaine; Mark Reynold; Beth Anne and Andrew Paul.
The Bender family moved to Northern New England in 1960, where they pastored churches in New Hampshire and Vermont from 1960 - 1970. Frank continued to work full-time in the printing industry as well. In addition to pastoring and outside employment, Frank served on school boards, as district Christian Education and Youth Ministry Coordinators, and as presbyter for the Northern New England District of the Assemblies of God.
The family returned to Seattle in 1970, to obtain needed education and services for their three youngest children, who were each born with disabilities. Frank continued working in various jobs until January 2016.
The Benders have been active members of Shoreline Community Church since 1970. Frank served in many capacities including: Sunday School teacher; Men's Ministry and small group leader; usher; choir member; Royal Rangers Commander; Missions board representative; prayer team member and pastor-elder. Outside of church, Frank participated in ministry at nursing homes, jails and homeless missions. He and Erma were interim pastors of All Tribes Church for Native Americans. Frank also preached as guest minister at a number of churches, and officiated at many weddings and funerals. He was honored in April 2013 for 50 years as an ordained minister by the Assemblies of God.
Frank officiated basketball for many years for recreation leagues, junior and senior high schools and community colleges. He started up a group of basketball officials for Special Olympics of Washington, and refereed at the International Special Olympics in both 1983 and 1987. He was involved as a Special Olympics volunteer in both basketball and track and field from1976 - 2014, and was recognized as volunteer of the year by the State organization.
Frank enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests - eagles, ships, sports, hiking, jogging, music, traveling, reading and collecting coins.
Frank is survived by his five children, son-in-law Ron Rice; brother Herb Bender and wife Roxie; sisters Dorothy Winn, Barbara Williams, Ellen Tingley and husband Jeff; aunts Alice and Charline Bender; many nieces, nephews extended family and friends.He was preceded in death by his wife Erma on 1/11/17, by both parents and sister Nola Maynard. He was deeply loved and respected by all and will be greatly missed.
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A memorial service in Frank’s honor will be held on Saturday, July 29th at 1:00 PM at Shoreline Community Church, 125 NE 185th St, Shoreline, WA 98155
In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in Frank’s name to Special Olympics of Washington, or to Shoreline Community Church designated for The Table Ministry.
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