In loving memory of

PEYTON LEE BENDER
October 2, 2004 - January 17, 2009

Peyton Lee Bender, age 4, passed away in a house fire with his mother, Brandi A. Bender, and brothers, Nicholas Ryan Adkins, and unborn infant, Justice Anthony Bender-Wheaton on Saturday, January 17, 2009 in Fort Wayne, IN. Born on October 2, 2004 in Columbia City, he was the son of Richard L. Shoemaker and Brandi A. Bender.He lived in Whitley County for three years and the past year, he resided in Fort Wayne. He enjoyed playing nerf guns with his brother, Nicholas. Survivors include his father, Richard L. (Cassie Hoffman) Shoemaker of Columbia City; aunts, Jaime (William) Burton and Mariah Heckman both of Columbia City, Kelli Bender of Fort Wayne, Karly and Scarlet Bender of Larwill; uncle, Jason (Amanda) Shoemaker of Larwill; grandparents, Denise (David) Heckman of Columbia City, Charles and Anita Bender of Larwill and Ron (Diana) Shoemaker of Columbia City; great-grandmothers, Augusta Carner of Columbia City and Sandra Goff of Fort Wayne; great-grandparents, Gene and Karen Heckman of Columbia City, Charles and Wilma Bender of Columbia City, Carl (Judy) Goff of New Haven; great-great grandmother, Ada Vandemon of Columbia City; cousins, Jordan, Erin and Taylor Shoemaker, Amanda and Amy Goff. Combined visitation for Peyton, Brandi, Nicholas and Justice is Tuesday, January 20, 2009 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Pride of Eagle Quest Church officiating. Burial will follow at Stough Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorials may be given in memory of Peyton, Brandi, Nicholas and Justice to B.A.B.E. of Columbia City. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.Click here to view video tribute**Video may take up to 2 minutes to load

Tributes

Angie Goodwyn wrote on Jan 25, 2009:

"To the Shoemaker/Heckman family-So sorry for your loss, will keep your family in our prayer's. Chip & Angie Goodwyn"

Bob and Shelley Pagel CMAers wrote on Jan 22, 2009:

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. Lean on Jesus to guide you thru this tough time. He is with you every step of the way. God Bless . "

Bob and Shelley Pagel CMA ers wrote on Jan 22, 2009:

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. Lean on Jesus to guide you thru this tough time. He is with you every step of the way. God Bless . "

John and Donna Haydin wrote on Jan 21, 2009:

"Please accept our sincere sympathy at your loss of little Payton as well as the other family members. You are all in our prayers and know that you are loved by a wonderful God.President and First LadySon Light Riders Chapter #665Adams Friendship, WI"

Mark & Danielle Winkel wrote on Jan 21, 2009:

"You're in our thoughts and prayers. Mark & Danielle Winkel HOOSIER SON RIDERS"

Karleen Sheetz wrote on Jan 21, 2009:

"I didn't realize I knew someone who was in that horrible fire. I can't imagine what you all must be going through at this difficult time, especially you Richard. Even though we know Peyton is in a better place, it's hard for those left behind. Please know that I will keep you all in my prayers. If there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to call.Love,Karleen"

Brian Green wrote on Jan 20, 2009:

"Jesus came to share God's message with us and to bring us hope. Hope of a ressurection and an eternal life. Children have a way of accepting what they are told easier than those of us who are older. That is why Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Metthew 19:14Jesus has called your little one home long before any of us were ready to let him go. But today he is playing with angels and experiencing love beyond anything we can imagine.May God send His love and compassion to you in this your time of grief.Brian GreenCMA Prayer Warriors"

Ron and Louise Gaghan wrote on Jan 20, 2009:

"May you feel His presence as He draws you close into His loving arms and comforts you during this time. You are all in our prayers.CMA Rhema Riders"

Rose & Janet Hurd wrote on Jan 20, 2009:

"DAVID, DENISE, GENE & KARENOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU IN THE LOSS OF YOUR GRANDSON AND GREAT GRANDSONROSE & JANET HURD"

HENRY BARNETT wrote on Jan 20, 2009:

"I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS ,JUST KNOW HE IS WITH JESUS IN HEAVEN PLAYING WITH NERF TOYS AND THAT HE IS WITH HIS MOTHER AND BROTHERS. CMA RHEMA RIDERS#813 SOUTH BEND,IN"

Phil & Marlene Bontrager wrote on Jan 20, 2009:

"David, Denise, & Moriah,You are in our prayers! We could see God working though you today and know God will continue to give you strength. Love & Prayers,Phil & Marlene Bontrager, CMA Friends"

Pioneer Associates, Inc. wrote on Jan 20, 2009:

"Rich, We are so sorry to hear about your son, Peyton. Know that you are in our prayers now and in the future. Tom & Kathy Jones, Andy Arney, Matt Jones and all of your co-workers here at Pioneer. "

Jim & Brenda Shank Goshen-CMA wrote on Jan 20, 2009:

"We are very sorrow for your extreme loss. We pray that you find the true "Peace that passes underdatnding" through our Lord, in this diffucult time. Be assured that you will continue to be in our prayers for months to come."

Eric Robinson wrote on Jan 20, 2009:

"If tears could build a stairway,and memories were a lane,we would wa;l right up to heaven,to bring you home.No farewell word were spoken,No time to say good-bye,You were gone before anyone knew it,Only god knew why.Our hearts still ache with sadness,secrets tears still flowwhat it means to lose you,no one will ever know.You and the Angels around Gods happy throne.We would of have held you closer if we had only known."

Eric Robinson wrote on Jan 20, 2009:

"My prayers and thoughts is with this family...Even though I didn't know them, I knew an extended family member of this angel....and I Know the hard ache of losing someone, but a child's life is so precious and I feel this family is going to need the love and comforts of everyone in this community..Jamie dear I love you and if you need anything to get you this difficult timejust let me know...Keep you head up to the sky and they will always be looking down from heave keeping their eyes on you....take careMr. Eric Robinson"

Barry and Sue Hett wrote on Jan 20, 2009:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends during this sorrowful time. Draw close to Him.Barry and SueCMA Chariots on Fire Chapter"

Raymond & Heike Spicer wrote on Jan 20, 2009:

" You don't know us but we are from the Wheels of Faith Chapter #533 of the CMA in Columbus, In. My wife and I offer our condolences for your loss. I know it is never easy to lose a loveone but in our faith we must remember that now Peyton is with our savior sitting at the right hand of the father."

Mike & Debbie Bischoff wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"Your CMA family is thinking of you with great sadness. You will be missed, but are in such a better place now!"

Jeff & Deb Bahr wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of Peyton. Know that the Lord is ever present to comfort us during our times of sorrow. "

Bev Christian wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"Please know that my deepest sympathy goes out to your family. I pray that you will trust in our Lord for your strength and know that He will always be with you.A CMA member from the Prayer Warriors in Marion"

Don Billey, CMA 613 wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"Our hearts break for each of you at the loss of Peyton, his mother, and brothers. In this time know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Know, also, that God has neither forgotten nor abandoned you, rather he stands alongside and weeps as Jesus did with Mary and Martha. We pray for his peace and comfort to envelop your lives."

Norm& Linda Meredith wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"with deepest regret we are sorry about your loss.we will keep your familyin prayer .God Bless you Norm & Linda Meredith Friends of dave& denise "

Sheler's wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"Our sincerest sympathies to the family of Payton, Nicholas and Brandi. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you during this time of loss and sadness. May the Lord give you peace during this time and hold you close in His arms and protection. Prayers and Love to you all,Mark & Jeanette ShelerNorthCentral Region WebmasterChristian Motorcyclists Association"

Hugh and Cindi Fletcher wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at such a difficult time-May Gods love shine through family and friends and keep you strong in the days ahead. Love Hugh and Cindi Fletcher"

Kelly Robison wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. God is holding you in the palm of His hands. CMA Rhema Riders Chapter."

Rick and Paula Perkins wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"We are CMAer's from Central Indiana and CMA Prayer Team Leaders for the state. Our prayers and love are with you in this time of need. Please allow God to give you His strength, grace and mercy in this hour."

Don Brinker wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"On behalf of Rescue Riders CMA #1005, our sincerest condolences in this time of suffering. We will all have your family in our prayers throughout this tough time. Continue to look to our Lord for your strength. He will strengthen and renew you."

Don Brinker wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"On behalf of Rescue Riders CMA #1005, our sincerest condolences in this time of suffering. We will all have your family in our prayers throughout this tough time. Continue to look to our Lord for your strength. He will strengthen and renew you."

Julie Jensen-Kelley wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"Richard,I am very sorry for your loss. Please let me know if you want to talk. Take Care,Julie"

Terri Heckman, Ken Heckman & Katie Phillips wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"Rich, We are all thinking of you and the rest of Peyton's family. We can't imagine the feelings at this tragedy."

Jay Wilber President Word Warriors wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"May the Lord bless and give comfort to the family during this time. Stand on Gods promise of a better life with God. Peyton will be missed by all but he is now in Gods loving arms. The Word Warriors in Evansville will continue to pray for all family members.God Bless"

Kim, Lisa, Ben and Adrianne Walker wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"We know that Peyton is now with Jesus. He will never have to suffer through heartaches, or sickness, or the earthly temptations from his peers. He is celebrating his new life in Heaven, and someday, when God calls every Christian home, Peyton will all ready be there, waiting at Heavens gates Hell meet you, greet you, hug you, and give you a 'Grand Tour' of YOUR Heavenly new home. Little Peyton is now experiencing what we all look forward to someday a perfect and eternal life with our Lord and Savior!Our prayers are with you during this time of great loss.Love, The Walker's----------------------------------WHEN GOD CALLS LITTLE CHILDRENWhen God calls little childrento dwell with him above,We mortals sometime questionthe wisdom of his love.For no heartache compares withthe death of one small childWho does so much to make our world,seem wonderful and mild.Perhaps God tires of callingthe aged to his fold,So He picks a rosebud,before he can grow old.God knows how much we need them,and so he takes but a fewTo make the land of Heavenmore beautiful to view.Believing this is difficult stillsomehow we must try,The saddest word mankind knowswill always be "Goodbye."So when a little child departs,we who are left behind,Must realize God loves children,Angels are hard to find.-Unknown"

Phil Williams and Family wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"We are very sorry for your loss. We are always here for you guys if you need to talk or need anything. Love Phil& Amy"

Time and Christine Scroggs wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"Our hearts break with yours. May God give you strength and peace that passes understanding at this difficult time. You are all in our constant prayers."

Randy Grimes wrote on Jan 19, 2009:

"To the Entire Shoemaker Family;May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "