Marvin Lenard Bender Jr.

Marvin Lenard Bender, Jr. 80, of Amarillo, TX passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Family visitation will be from 5-6:30 p.m., Friday, January 30, 2026, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 31, 2026, in the Hillside Christian Church chapel, with Sean Vokes officiating. Burial will follow in the Panhandle Cemetery in Panhandle, TX. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Marvin was born January 30, 1945, in Borger, TX to Marvin Sr. and Juanita (Welch) Bender of Panhandle.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the First Christian Church in Panhandle. Marvin attended school in Panhandle graduating in 1963 from Panhandle High School and Attended TCU and WTU.

Marvin met the love of his life Kim Guthrie on December 31, 1965, and they were married on August 26, 1966, in Amarillo, Tx.

He began his career in retail on February 1, 1966, working for Gibson’s, moving on to Howard Brothers, Wal-Mart, Jo Ann Fabrics and finally back to Walmart. Marvin retired from Wal-Mart January 31, 2011.

In addition to his career, Marvin joined the Board of Directors of The Bridge CAC in 1997 serving two terms as President and finally stepping away in 2021. Marvin considered his service to The Bridge as a very important part of his life.

Marvin and family began attending Hillside Christian Church in 2013 and made it their church home soon after. He loved greeting and welcoming those attending.

His greatest joy was his family, especially his wife, daughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren, their spouses and extended families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Wanda (who taught him compassion)

Survivors include his wife Kim Bender, of the home; daughter Raquel Adams and husband John of Plano, TX; sister Martha Sheets of Canyon, TX; brother Ron Bender and wife Pam of Wichita Falls, TX; sisters in-law Jennie Thornberry and Jan Smith of Amarillo, TX; grandchildren Jacquelynn Richards and husband David; Nikolas Fernandez and wife Candace; Zach Adams all of Amarillo, TX; great-grandchildren Christian Goff; Jaxson Richards; Rylee Rue; Ashton Fernandez; Bella Richards; Hunter Fernandez; Avrie Fernandez. And many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.