Michael D. “Denny” Bender, age 80, of Cookeville, TN, passed away on April 25, 2023, from the comforts of his home.

Michael was born in Girard, PA, on May 1, 1942, to the late Michael Bender and Anna Lucas.

Michael joined the U.S. Army after graduating high school.  From there, he went on to serve two tours of duty in Vietnam.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service to our nation.  After retiring from the Army, he went on to work for the Department of Defense as a supply manager.

To his family and friends, Michael was known as “Dallas” because he was country before country was cool.  He liked riding motorcycles and traveling.  He loved watching John Wayne movies.

Michael is survived by daughters Denise (Bruce) Hale of Smethport and Deborah (William) Seighman of Beaver Falls, PA; grandchildren Ranee Eichmann, Dane Faes, Bryce Hale, Shawna Boydstun, Miranda Seighman, and William “B.J.” Seighman; great grandchildren Jace Boydstun and Trenton Boydstun; sister Shirley Bender of PA; and brother Robert Bender of Florida.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 10AM to 12-noon at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.  A Catholic Blessing service will be conducted at the funeral home at noon following the visitation.  Military Honors will be accorded after the services by the Crosby and Smethport Honor Guard.  Burial with full military honors will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby, PA or the VFW Post #2497 of Smethport, PA.  Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport, PA.