Darrell Eugene Bender, age 74, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025.
Darrell was a faithful and loving husband. He loved his sons dearly and wanted them to know that. He had many friends throughout his lifetime that he held dear and tried to keep in contact with them. He loved to cook for his family and friends and those in need. He put a lot of care and effort into cooking for others.
He was a history buff and a collector of many things. He had vast knowledge of most everything he collected, like cameras, knives, stoneware and so much more. He collected many, many books. He had more than 2000 cookbooks alone!
Darrell lived many places throughout his life and always found a church to attend. The last church he attended was First Lockhart Baptist Church.
He was an antique dealer and managed a large antique mall in Denver. Later, he owned his own antique shop in Lockhart, TX. Prior to that he was in the photo industry. He was a photographer and then owned his own one-hour photo shop in California. Later, he worked in the silver refinery and recovery in the photographic imaging industry.
More importantly, he loved to talk to people that came into the shop and everywhere he went. Sometimes, he would talk to them about the Lord, asking them if they knew Him and if they went to church. He had a love for people and was always willing to help those in need.
To those who knew and loved him, he will always be remembered fondly as Nomad DB.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell D. Bender and Jean Yvonne (Maxwell) Bender; and sister, Pamela (Bender) Brauneller. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth M. (Dart) Bender; sons, Forest (Alex) Bender and Drew (Hannah) Bender; and grandsons, Walker, Porter and Foster Bender.
Special Thanks To:
Joe Washington, for being a true friend and brother when Darrell needed someone to help him through his darkest hours.
Annie Washington, my beloved sister. You have always been there when we needed you the most. Your presence has been a gift from the Lord.
Forest and Alex Bender, for all the help and support you gave us in so many ways. I am deeply thankful.
Stephen Woytkowicz, for always being a tremendous help! Thank you for lifting the load and easing the burden.
Willow Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, for taking such great, compassionate care of my husband Darrell! I am sincerely grateful!
Print Obituary & Condolences
It was an honor to get to know Darrell while he was at Roundtop Hills Antique Show. He was one of the most extremely knowledgeable about Antiques and Collectibles! He was a blessing to us as a brother in the Lord and I am thankful the Lord brought him across our path even if it was temporary. What a day of rejoicing it will be when we all get to heaven! He was truly one of God’s loving servants! Our deepest condolences to you and the family!!! Our love and prayers! Becky and Ed Sikkenga
My condolences & prayers of comfort to you Betsy. May the Father over shadow you with His love. I bless and love you all in Jesus!🌹🙏✝️♥️
So so Sorry to learn of this. Lots of Memories with DB! I’m sure our Buddy’s Tim Guthrie, Rod Brickey, Michael Day, and Mike Brady welcomed him to The Kingdom!! Back in the “old” days, he would go to some races with Timo and I.
May GOD Bless and Comfort You and all The Family and Friends in this time!
I have many happy memories of visiting with Darrell on a variety of topics, and eating some amazing dishes. Thanks for spoiling us a bit. May God bless and strengthen you during these hard days. Love y’all!
Darrell was a dear friend at a time in my life that I needed that the most. I met Darrell at a class at our mutual church First Baptist Church in Woodstock, GA. Darrell was like a brother to me. Our children were close in age and we spent a lot of time doing family activities with our children.
Darrell loved Forest and Drew very much and was extremely proud of them both.
Darrell met Liz and it was love at first sight! She has been a very good partner in love and life for him. Liz took care of Darrell’s aging parents and Darrell during his final years.
I can attest for Darrell’s love for collectibles and his cookbook collection! I helped move over 2000 cookbooks! I told him never again would I help him move after that back breaking event.
Darrell was a great cook and would spend hours, sometimes days preparing meals for family and friends.
Darrell was always a generous man, with his time and trinkets. He always found little treasures to share with people in his life that he cared about. He was a treasure himself that made the world a better place and will be truly missed!
So very sorry to hear of DB’s passing, my thoughts and prayers for the family. May the God of all comfort wrap His loving arms around you all and give you the comfort and peace that only He can give during times such as this. Rest in Peace DB.