John Charles Bendele

On January 17, 2023, John Charles Bendele Sr., 71, of Dunlay, Texas, finished his job here on Earth. With his beautiful wife, Meredith “Mere” Bendele (West) of almost 50 years by his side, John passed away peacefully and comfortably at home. John was born in San Antonio, Texas on December 28, 1951, to Charles A. and Julia E. Bendele of San Antonio, Tx. John is survived by four sisters, one brother, his wife, four sons, 10 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. John was a proud family man who loved all his family, John Jr. (Alaina) and his two sons (Tanner (Shelby and baby Ellie), Lane), Chad and his son (Braeden), Brian (Chastity) and his five children (Aspen (Austin), Hunter (Willow), Aiden, Caleb, and Ryker), and Mark (Gina) and his two children (Kylie and Carter). John was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Richard Bendele.

John met Mere, the love of his life, in 1969, the year before he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1970. He was a proud veteran who enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1971 and served until November 1978 where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Then, on June 2, 1973, he married Mere and they set off on their life journey together. In August of 1974, John became a proud Dad to his oldest son John Jr, followed by Chad in 1975, Brian in 1977 and Mark in 1980. John spent the next four decades doing his life’s work until he retired in January 2022. During those 40 years, John was a servant leader at home, at work and at church, where his keen wit and sense of humor ensured he never met a stranger. He was a master of many trades, all of which he happily shared, most importantly, he passed those trades on to his children. John had many passions, he had a passion for sharing the work of Jesus, his Church, for helping others, music and for using his mind and hands to build anything he wanted, or somebody needed. He spread his kindness, joy, and laughter with the world and lived a rich spiritual life. A life worth celebrating.

John’s Celebration of Life will be held at Vista Community Church, 3159 FM 471, Castroville, Texas on February 4, 2023, at 11:00 am. Immediately following the Celebration of Life, a reception will take place at Media River Winery, 3179 FM 471, Castroville, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/san-antonio-cremation for the Bendele family.