Jack Naly Bender

Bender, Jack Naly Lt. Col USAF (Ret) Age 89, passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2013 at the Albuquerque VA Hospital hospice. In addition to his beloved wife of 68 years, Sarah Bender of Albuquerque, he is survived by daughter, Pat Sloan of Albuquerque; son, Mike Bender of Portland, OR; grandson, Ryan Sloan of Albuquerque; brother, Jay Bender and wife Anne of Columbia S.C.; brother, Ray Bender and wife Peg of San Diego, CA; sister, Mary Owens of Redmond, WA, and many nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Cleveland, Oklahoma, he left home to serve in the Army Air Corps in WWII as a B-25 gunner-engineer in India and Burma. Commissioned an officer in the U.S. Air Force, he was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict, He remained in the service for a total of 25 years service including a tour in Viet Nam. He retired in 1972 and settled in Albuquerque. In retirement he was able to pursue many interests including his life-long passion for fly fishing. He was also a pilot, golfer, and skilled wood worker. Cremation has taken place and interment will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranches, Inc. P.O. Box 9 Belen, NM 87002-9901.