Edward "Ed" Paul Bender

Tsgt Edward “Ed” Paul Bender, 76, US Air Force (USAF) Retired, made his last and greatest deployment from Hospice in Great Falls, MT to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 28, 2023.

Ed was born on February 14, 1947, in Abington, PA to Lily Joseph (a Welsh Native War Bride) and George Paul Bender (WW II US Army). In 1948, Lily and 1 year old Ed sailed to Wales so that Ed could live with his grandparents. Growing up in Wales was full of adventures for a young American. When Ed was twelve, his dying grandfather’s wish was for Ed to return to the States and live with his mother. In 1959, Ed and his grandmother boarded a ship for the USA. After docking in New York City, Ed was met by his mother and stepfather. Ed lived with his extended family in Philadelphia, PA while attending Dobbins Technical School. During his high school years, Ed worked as a Movie Theatre Usher to earn money for his first car. After buying the car, he went to work after school for an auto repair shop.

Ed met the love of his life Nicola (Nikki) Santella in 1965, when Nikki was dating Ed’s best friend. Nikki was infatuated by Ed’s green eyes. Ed and Nikki were married on February 1966, shortly before Ed joined the USAF, in March that year. Basic training was in Amarillo, Texas and after completing additional USAF schools, Ed’s first assignment was at Glasgow AFB, MT. Ed’s USAF Specialty was Missile Systems Maintenance Technician and Fabrication/Parachute Supervisor. Ed made numerous deployments during his 20-year career, Okinawa, Guam, Thailand, and Southeast Asia, to name a few.

In the United States the family was assigned to a host of USAF bases. During Ed’s active-duty years, he and Nikki were blessed with three children, Ed Jr., James, and Christina, each child born at a different USAF base. Ed Retired in 1986 at Malmstrom AFB, MT. During Ed’s career he earned many Air Force Decorations and awards. After USAF retirement, Ed worked for Weismann and Sons in Great Falls and National General Supply in California. While in California, Ed spent many hours reconditioning bicycles and giving them to disadvantaged children. In 2006, the couple settled back in Great Falls.

Ed’s hobbies were computers, working on his treasured cars and trucks, treadle sewing machines, and other collectibles. Ed was preceded in death by his parents. Ed is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nikki; three children, Edward Jr (Elisabeth) of Hardin, MT, James of Port Ritchie FL, and Christina (Matt) of Nashville, TN; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his extended family of brothers and sisters; and his beloved cats, George and Nikko.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on May 20, 2023, at Triumph Baptist Church (500 Second Ave. SW, Great Falls, Montana) followed by a reception at the church.