Thomas Francis Bender Obituary (1949 - 2018)

Thomas Francis Bender, 68, of Catoosa, Oklahoma passed from this life on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born September 18, 1949 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the late Fredrick Alvin Bender and the late Ann Veronica Klemack Bender. Thomas graduated from Greensburg Central Catholic High School in 1967. He served his country in both the United States Navy and the Air Force Reserves. Thomas continued his interest in aeronautics and received his certification at the East Coast Aero Technical School with high honors in Aeronautical Maintenance Technology. For over 36 years, Thomas enjoyed his job as an Engine Inspector and working with his fellow team mates at American Airlines. He was recognized for his multiple contributions to IdeaAAs in Action and continued to be an active member in the Transport Workers Union #514. In 1970 Thomas married Jacqueline Anne Lisee, the love of his life, with whom he shared over 48 years. Together they raised their family which was his greatest joy. He was a true family man and devout Catholic believing in the sanctity of life, especially the lives of the unborn and always placed God at the forefront of his life. He was a member of Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma and a 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #7395 in Claremore, Oklahoma. Thomas' favorite pastimes were walking his dogs, fishing, working on cars, building garden railroads, attending the American Airlines monthly retiree breakfast and most of all RVing with his family. Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline; daughters, Elizabeth (David) Bey and Laura residing in Oklahoma; brother, Martin residing in Pennsylvania; sisters, Eloise (Art) Kubli residing in Florida and Janet (Kevin) Cambra residing in Florida; grandchildren, Joseph and Sara Sacco residing in Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Douglas and David; and sisters, Diane and Colette Beatty Bender. A Rosary and Stations of the Cross service will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A memorial mass will be held at 11am on Friday, July 13, 2018 at Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church with V. Rev. Jovita Okonkwo as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Dillon Marler Dighton Funeral Home, Sand Springs, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities of Tulsa, 2450 N. Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK 74115.