Paul Joseph Zender

CMSgt (Retired) Paul J. Zender, 77, Altus, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. A Celebration of Life will take place 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Price of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Cory D. Stanley officiating. Cremation and Celebration of Life services are under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Paul Joseph Zender was born January 20, 1941 in St. James, Minnesota to Clarence and Helen (Christof) Zender. He graduated from St. James High School in May of 1960 and married Bonnie Jean Klaras two months later, July 14th, also in St. James. Chief Zender joined the Air Force in 1960 and retired in 1989. During his Air Force career, he served as an aircraft mechanic and flight engineer. As a flight engineer he flew on the C-124s with the 31st MAS at Dover AFB, DE; C-7s with the 459th TAS at Phu Cat Air Base, VN; and the C-141 aircraft with the 15th MAS at Norton AFB, CA from 1971 till 1975; and the 57th MAS at Altus AFB, OK from 1975 till 1989. In 1986 Chief Zender was selected to serve as the 443rd MAW Senior Enlisted Advisor until his retirement in 1989. He received many medals and commendations during his services including the Meritorious Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three bronze oak leaf clusters. Paul was especially proud of all the group and unit awards as they represented the great pride that he had at being a part of the Air Force brotherhood . It is these friendships that he valued as the true awards. He was a long time member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Altus and a lifetime member of the C-7 Caribou Association. Paul was also very active in the Altus VFW Post 4876, assisting with veterans' benefits and serving on the board of directors. He served as one of the initial officers of the 57th Alumni Association, serving as Vice President from 2011-2013. Mr. Zender enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, visiting with friends and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Bonnie Jean. He is survived by one daughter, Kathleen Zender Davis and her husband, Patrick; three sons, Joseph Zender and his wife, Dede; Christopher Zender and his wife, Sarah; Kevin Zender and his wife, Angela; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; one sister, Joan Stoesz; four brothers, Mike Zender and his wife, Julianne; Bill Zender and his wife, Marsha; Tom Zender and his wife, Becky; Gregg Zender and his wife, Jackie; other relatives and many friends.

The Zender family will greet friends at 6 p.m. Friday evening at Kincannon Funeral Home with a Rosary to begin at 7 p.m.

Online tributes may be made at kincannonfuneralhome.com