Don Bender

Don Robert Bender, 65, of Scottsdale, AZ, loving husband, brother, and uncle, passed away

unexpectedly on May 5, 2023.

Don was born on January 14, 1958, in Meyersdale, PA, to Byard Miller Bender and Vida Hazel

(Kretchman) Bender. He lived on the family farm in Springs, PA, and attended Salisbury-Elk Lick

High School and Drexel University in Philadelphia where he earned a degree in Business

Administration in 1980. He had a successful career as Senior Vice President at Affiliated

Computer Services Inc. (ACS)--a company that provided information technology services and

business process outsourcing solutions--until his retirement in 2011. He worked and lived in San

Francisco, Dallas, Washington DC, and Phoenix/Scottsdale. Despite his success, he remained

unpretentious and always spoke with humility about his good fortune and gratitude for the

opportunities he had. On July 30, 1994, he married Deborah Sumrall, and together they

traveled extensively, enjoying countless adventures around the world.

Don had a full and rich life. He was endlessly curious, enthusiastic, and interested in people,

places and ideas. Family and friends were always amazed by his broad knowledge and

understanding of a wide variety of topics. With his warm, genuine personality, quick wit, and

big smile he easily made a connection with everyone he met. He was an attentive listener and

made everyone feel special. Don had a kind heart and generous spirit that he extended to

family and friends. He and Debbie loved outdoor activities--backpacking in the High Sierras,

hiking the Grand Canyon, trekking in Patagonia, kayaking in Glacier Bay, scuba diving, and

playing golf, to name a few. He delighted in fishing, wherever he was in the world, or in the

farm pond. Don was an excellent cook who enjoyed sampling and experimenting with new

recipes, ingredients and cuisines. No matter where he traveled, his heart was always at the

farm; he and Debbie chose to get married there. He loved his frequent farm visits, happily chain

sawing, doing a variety of projects and home improvements, and sitting around a campfire.

Don is survived by his wife Debbie, brothers David (Dawn) Bender and Jim (Bonnie) Bender;

sisters Beckie (Eugene) Martin, Janet Bender, and Nancy (Dan) Stueber; several cousins,

nephews, a niece, and their children. His passing leaves a huge hole for all who loved him, but

we are tremendously grateful for the time we shared with him. A celebration of life will be

planned at a future date.

Expressions of sympathy may be directed to The Springs Historical Society of the Casselman

Valley, P.O. Box 62, Springs, PA 15562.