Mark Thomas Bender, 51, of New Smyrna Beach, FL, passed away on May 4, 2014 at Bert Fish Medical Center with his family present. He had received the sacrament Anointing of the Sick by the priest from Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mark was born October 17, 1962 at St. Mary's Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Mark is survived by his parents Robert and Margaret Bender of Port Orange, FL., son Justin Bender of New Smyrna Beach FL., sister Lisa Olson and husband Scott Olson of Port Orange, his nephew Evan Olson, Justin's mother Sabra Benford.

As president of Bender Aircraft Parts, Inc. which was established in 1992, he helped build the company into the worldwide business that it is today. Living in Ogden, UT for 13 years with his family, Mark worked in Sales and Marketing for Aviation Materials Management of which his father was part owner.

Receiving his first vehicle at age 15, Mark's love affair with cars was born! He and his father re-built two 1965 Mustang fastbacks and enjoyed attending the car shows together. Mark had purchase and rebuilt over 30 Ford Mustangs.

One year ago, Mark co-founded Tropical Detroit Muscle Car Club and with the help of his loving girlfriend, Donna Cafaldo, the club has grown to over 300 active members.

Mark was a kind and gentle soul respecting each person and their station in life. As a child Mark loved his amphibious pets. With the quickest but gentlest touch he could catch a chameleon and hold it in his open hand.

Driving go-carts and riding dirt bikes was his passion during his early teen years as well as snow skiing in the Wasatch Mountains of UT. Mark became proficient in art of Kung Fu as one of his favorites was Bruce Lee.

Mark's wishes were have no service however a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 2 PM to 6 PM at Mark's home.

Should anyone wish to donate to the American Heart Association in Mark's name please go to https://donate.heart.org.