Kenneth O. Bendele

Kenneth Oscar Bendele of Hondo, age 84, passed away July 11, 2023. He was born on November 8, 1938, in Hondo to parents Oscar and Pauline Krenmueller Bendele, and lived in Dunlay. He married the love of his life Mary Fohn on April 23, 1960. He was the father of three children, Marcia Murphy (Ray), Fohn (Jana), and Eric (Angela). Known to his family as “Pa,” Kenneth was the grandfather to ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Kenneth attended business school in San Antonio.  After earning a degree, he became an Enrolled Agent. Kenneth worked for the San Antonio City Water Board and enlisted in the National Guard. Later he became CFO at KLN Steel Company. While working there he established B&B Bookkeeping and Tax Service in Hondo. Kenneth’s business led to a full-time career in which he enjoyed working with his wife and family for over 50 years.  He was always educating himself, keeping up to date with the latest tax code. All the while he managed to carry on the family ranching legacy as a fifth generation Medina County rancher. In fact, he was featured in the Paul Harvey “God Made a Farmer” Super Bowl commercial and was recognized often in public places. He enjoyed both ranching and helping his clients up until the day he passed away.

During his life, Kenneth was a member of the Hondo Volunteer Fire Department and Quihi Gun Club. He was president of the Medina County Fair, a Hondo City Councilman, Hondo Mayor Pro Tem, and one of the founding members of the Southwest Texas Property Rights Association. As a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, he served on the church finance committee.  His commitment to public service was important to him. Kenneth was a stellar example of a man who loved his family well and cared deeply for others.

A memorial reception for Kenneth will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. John’s Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John's Youth Center Building Fund.

Services under the direction of Hondo Funeral Home.