David Allen Bender, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, age 79, passed away on October 21st 2025 in Greeley Colorado. Born on October 19th 1946, David devoted his life to farming and ranching, a passion he inherited and cherished throughout his years. He was known for his boundless energy, his enormous heart and unwavering willingness to lend a helping hand, making him a friend to many across different generations.

David attended school in Wiggins, and began shaping a life of hard work, service and community engagement. He maintained a lifelong membership of the Wiggins Community Church, a special place he held close to his heart as his dad helped build the church.

David's professional life was a heartfelt dedication to farming and ranching, a legacy he carried on with passion throughout his life. He raised cattle and was particularly proud of his sweet corn, field corn and he experimented with sugar beets, and alfalfa. His excellence in agriculture was recognized with a high 10 award for his outstanding sugar beets, an achievement he held high.

David began a wonderful new chapter when he married his loving wife, Jean Bender, in 2002. This union started a beautiful new adventure for them both, as Jean's children and grandchildren immediately became a huge and cherished part of David's life. His personal life was filled with joy, adventure, and the rewarding experience of teaching his grandkids everything he knew. An avid outdoorsman, he cherished fishing, camping with his grandchildren, often spending time at his beloved lake house, affectionately known as "fish camp." A skilled tinkerer, David loved working on various projects in his shop, especially restoring tractors. His restored 1959 Chevy pickup and matching Corvette were frequent showstoppers at car shows, earning him numerous awards.

David lived a life rooted in the values of hard work and family. He is survived by his loving wife, Jean Bender; his children, Dean Bender (Cheri Bender) and Ronda Bender; and his stepdaughters, Kelly Beam, Amy Schiel, and Sheana Davis. His sisters Carolyn Miller, Ronelda Kraft (Bob Kraft), and his brother Delayne Bender.

His generous spirit lives on in his thirteen grandchildren Brittney, Dylan, Danea, Kristen, Cody, Kendra, Nathan, Chelsey, Hope, Jayce, Blake, Kolby, Macey and six great-grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Tabea Bender; his first wife, Terri Bender; his grandson, Devon Bender; his sister, Janice Bender; his two brother-in-laws, Billy Maag and Ernie Maag, and his son-in-law, Mario Davis.

David Allen Bender will be remembered as a man with a big heart and a friend to many. His enduring legacy will live on in the fields he farmed, the projects he built and the love he shared with his family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 7th, from 4-6 PM at Heer Mortuary, 225 E. Platte Ave., Fort Morgan, CO.

A service to celebrate David's life will be held on Saturday, November 8th, at 10:30 am at the American Legion (121 Nelson Rd Fort Morgan 80701).

In lieu of donations family requests you plant a tree in memory of David.