Ryan "Roberts" Bender, Operations Manager of the Ozark Radio Network, died Saturday, October 3, 2009. He was 33. The funeral service for Ryan Bender will be at 2:00PM Wednesday, October 7 at the Faith Assembly of God Church with interment in Oak Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Ryan was born June 2, 1976 to Robert and Darlene Bender. He was an avid Seattle Seahawks and NASCAR fan, as well a lover of Ford Mustangs.

Ryan was hired in 2000 as an announcer on Hot Country KDY, left in 2002 to drive a truck full-time with his mom, and rejoined the network in 2003. He was promoted to KDY Music Director in 2004, Program Director in 2006, and Ozark Radio Network Operations Manager in 2007.

Ryan garnered numerous awards during his time at the Ozark Radio Network. As Program Director for KDY, Ryan's staff won the 2007 Missouri Broadcaster Association's Award for Special Programming on KDY and Commercial Announcement on KWPM. Also, as the Operations Manager of the Ozark Radio Network, the Network won awards for Promotions (KDY) and Sports Play-by-Play (KUKU Oldies 100) in 2008 and Promotions for KDY in 2009. Ryan was also selected 'Employee of the Year' in the Ozark Radio Network three of his eight years (2001, 2004, and 2006).

Ryan was active in many organizations, including being a board member of the Heart of the Ozark United Way, as well as being involved with the MDA, CASA, Kiwanis, the local chambers of commerce, and as a member of the Optimist Club.

Ryan leaves behind his wife and soulmate Randi, and their unborn daughter Shelbie, as well as his mother and two sisters, Candace Box and Ashley Kittrell and their families. His father and an aunt, Darcel Smith, precede him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shelbie's Fund or Family and left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Ryan was a kind man who is loved by everyone who knew him, and he will be greatly missed by friends and family.