January 12, 2021
Age 80, Dr. Obie Bender passed away January 9, 2021. He died peacefully at home with his family in Strongsville, OH. He was a Canton, Ohio native who after 36 years, retired from Baldwin Wallace College as the Executive Assistant to the President in 2006. Obie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty, his children, Lydia, Craig, Rhonda, and Monica, five grandchildren, and a host of great, and great-great grandchildren. At Obie’s request, there will be no memorial services held. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please donate to Cleveland Clinic Hospice at https://give.ccf.org/fordrobie.
BaldwinWallaceAlumni tweeted on Tuesday: With heavy hearts, we regret to announce the passing of Dr. Obie Bender ’62. The Hall of Famer had an even bigger impact at the University as Special Assistant to the President for 36 years. The Obie Bender Multicultural Awards is named in his honor.
The Obie Bender Multicultural Award is presented annually to honor and affirm the contributions of multicultural members of the Baldwin Wallace community as well as those who contribute to the overall spirit of inclusion.
Bender was a guard/linebacker when he played for the university, also a co-captain, mentored countless athletes and students as a Baldwin Wallace officer for 37 years. He also helped the PGA develop the precursor of its First Tee program for urban youths, and he served as President of the Clearview Legacy Foundation for Clearview Golf Course (East Canton, Oh) along with being president of the Board.
“Dr. Obie Bender has been a family friend almost as long as I can remember. He served as the first president of the Clearview Legacy Foundation and credited my dad (William Powell) as having guided his life as a young person. Obie was a very special individual and will be greatly missed,” said Renee Powell, PGA/LPGA, Head Golf Professional at Clearview Golf Course.
Bender was the second African American Independent Board member at the PGA of America.
The PGA of America on its Facebook page posted:
