Norton J. Bender

Norton J. Bender, 80, of La Junta, passed away on December 31, 2017 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center. He was born to Manuel & Ollie (Romans) Bender on April 4, 1937 in La Junta. Norton married Barbara J. Bute on Dec. 14, 1958 in La Junta.

Norton graduated from La Junta High School, Class of 1956. He served in the US Army. Norton owned and operated Bender Oil and Norton’s Standard Service for 46 years, retiring in 2006. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church of La Junta.

Norton is survived by his wife, Barbara of the La Junta home; son, Jim (Diana) Bender of La Junta; daughters, Pamela Bender of Loveland, CO and Julie (Charlie) Geist of Windsor, CO; brother, Alvin (Mary) Bender of La Junta; sister, Loletta Schade of Pueblo; grandchildren, Keith (Jessica) Bender, Brice Bender, Bethany Bender, Nik Fishkin, John Kha, Carrie Dean, Justin Dean, Garett (Amanda) Irons, Courtney (Brennan) Hekkers, Chase (Amanda) Geist, and Tyson (Taylor Hand) Geist; great-grandchildren, Kayson & Jaislynn Bender and Carter Hekkers. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Alvin Shade.

A celebration of life service will be Friday, January 5, 2018, at 4:00 p.m., at the United Methodist Church of La Junta with Reverend Lou Ward officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, 601 San Juan Avenue, La Junta, CO, 81050 or to the Arkansas Valley Hospice Assoc., P.O. Box 408, La Junta, direct or through the funeral home.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.