William Neil Bedenbender, 85, of rural Neosho Falls, Kansas, went to be with our Lord on October 1, 2011. Neil was born February 24, 1926, on a farm in southeast Coffey County, the son of Oscar and Ethel Kate Bradley Bedenbender. He graduated from Colony High School and served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific. On November 28, 1949, Neil married Thelma Louise Tidd in Neosho Falls at her parent's home. They lived and farmed in the Neosho Falls and Geneva areas. He served on the boards of the Piqua Coop, LeRoy Coop and U.S.D. 257 School District. He was a former Mason and Shriner. Neil enjoyed woodworking. SURVIVORS: His wife of 61 years: Thelma Bedenbender of the home 3 Sons: Jerry Bedenbender & wife, Jeanne of Meridian, Idaho, Dave Bedenbender & wife, Diane of Neosho Falls, Kansas, and D.J. Bedenbender & wife, Sheila of Ft. Scott, Kansas 8 Grandchildren & 17 Great Grandchildren He was preceded in death by an infant son, Duane, his parents, Oscar and Kate Bedenbender and a sister, Irene Hodges. VISITATION & GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Friends and family will meet at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2011, for visitation before leaving for graveside services at the Geneva Cemetery at 2:30. Chaplain Lloyd W. Houk will officiate. MEMORIAL: Shriners Hospitals for Children Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.