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Daniel Bender Obituary
After a short battle with pancreatic cancer, Daniel Lee "Dan" Bender passed away peacefully Thursday, July 4, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Dan was born Sept. 21, 1949, in Findlay. He grew up there with a sister, Karla, and two brothers, Scott and Jack, until he joined U.S. Army in 1969. He served a 14-month tour in Vietnam. Dan graduated from Findlay College with a BA in Sociology. He also did one year of post-graduate studies in Public Administration at Bowling Green State University and received a Master's Degree in Political Science from University of Colorado in 1999.
In 1972, Dan married Jon Adele Bender (Long) of Hoytville. Jon and Dan have two daughters, Rachael (Mike) Latham and Rebekah (Sam) Eggleston. He and his wife are also blessed with grandchildren, Dasha, Danya, Rebekah, Grace, Barry, Daniel, Sienna, Bud, and Cody.
While living in Ohio after his military service, Dan worked five years with Eastman Kodak and five years as Projects Director with HHWP Community Action Commission. Dan moved with his family to Durango, Colorado, in 1980 where he worked as a Deputy Sheriff for 37 years with La Plata County Sheriff's Office. During his years there in which he served under four different Sheriffs, he worked as a Detentions Deputy, Patrol Deputy, and in various supervisory capacities. He also took part in many search and rescue missions, both as a coordinator and a SAR K-9 handler. He was on the SWAT team for 21 years and was Training Coordinator, Public Information Officer, and Emergency Management Liaison.
His life's loves were his family, being able to help others, teaching, and photography. His salvation was his faith.
Dan's celebration of life will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10556 Hwy 550, south of Durango, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wounded Warrior Project or Summit Early Learning Center in Durango (Summit Church).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Bender
Jeanne Scarborough
February 18, 2025
Very sorry to hear of the loss of Dan. He will be missed by so many! My husband and I have enjoyed the pleasure of knowing he and Jonny throughout the years. Such beautiful, wonderful people! Dan was always a big help to us during the missionary Ridge fired. He will never be forgotten. JS.
Shelley
October 11, 2024
Dan basically hired me at the LaPlata County Sheriff´s office. We stayed friends after I retired. He and Jon stopped to visit us a couple of times while on a trip to visit family. A truly unique and wonderful individual. I´ll miss his beautiful photos and dry sense of humor. I made a donation to Wounded Warriors in his honor. Miss you Dan.
Barbara lobdell dawson
October 9, 2024
Dan and I grew up together as classmates. Dan will be remembered as a trustworthy, kind , mannerly, friend to many. RIP
.
July 17, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Cerner Hassan
July 15, 2024
I didn´t have the pleasure of knowing Dan but I did know Jack. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Roberta Stober
July 14, 2024
My sympathizes. Jon I was in Rainbow with you. My memory of Dan was he came to Findlay once in a brand new cruiser. He stopped at the water treatment plant to see David and was going to take Dietschs ice cream back to Durango!!!!
Paul Silverstein
July 14, 2024
A great guy. Lost touch after high school but fond memories from that time
Janice Grubb
July 13, 2024
Janice Grubb, classmate Findlay Ohio class of 67. An all around nice guy!
Pennie Wells
July 13, 2024
So sorry for this loss! Knew Danny as a child. We were neighbors and I off and on wondered where he lived. Many times to play together with him and his sister and brothers!
Pennie (Johnston) Wells
Donna (Apple) Cacavio
July 12, 2024
Jon and Family, So sorry for your loss. Prayers.
Dale Smith
July 9, 2024
Dan was true law enforcement professional. Enjoyed knowing him for several years and having the opportunity to work with him on many joint agency cases. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and entire family.
-Retired Durango Police Captain Smith
Lori and Butch Bresina
July 9, 2024
I met Dan through our love for photography. He and my husband also became friends. He talked often of his love for his family. I will miss his photographs and his friendship.
Doug
July 8, 2024
Dan was one of a kind. He was a professional associate, but most importantly a friend. Most notable to me is that Dan always looked out for others more so than for himself. He was selfless and his service regardless of who or what he was engaged with. Dan was a red white and blue American Patriot.
Barbara benson
July 7, 2024
Sorry to hear of Dan's passing. Knew him at the sheriff's office many years ago. Remember he was a poet among many other things. Condolences to his family. Barbara b.
Jerry Lucius
July 7, 2024
I did not know him personably, but really enjoyed his truly beautiful photos of nature.
Margaret Sharp
July 7, 2024
So enjoyed his photos of the areas around Durango. God bless his family.
J.D. McKnight
July 6, 2024
Great man to work with!
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