James Edward Bendure

James Edward Bendure, 89, of Chouteau, passed away on September 3, 2025.

Born March 14, 1936, in Chouteau, Oklahoma to Ray and Avis Bendure, James was a member of the Chouteau Class of 1954. He was a member of Pryor Creek Masonic Lodge #100 for over 60 years. James enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and served in Korea at the DMZ where one of his assignments was to be the last man to cross the Freedom Bridge and to blow it up in the event of an invasion by the North Koreans. James was discharged from the Army in 1958 after reaching the rank of Sergeant. Upon returning to Chouteau, he owned and operated a service station. It was during this time that he met whom he called "the prettiest girl in the county", Norma Jean Gore. On September 19, 1959, they were married and soon thereafter he settled into his career as a Pipeliner that spanned over forty years, almost thirty of those with Sheehan Pipe Line Construction Company where he ultimately retired as a Superintendent. In retirement, James served on the Board of the First United Methodist Church of Locust Grove and help supply and distribute food through their food pantry.

In July 1960, daughter Jamie Lynn was born to James and Norma in Kingwood, West Virginia. In October 1967, son Robert Duane was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

James was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-five years, Norma Gore Bendure, parents Ray and Avis Bendure, brothers Bill and Larry Bendure, and four sisters, Marjorie Winfield, Claudine Broyles, Lilly Fay Bendure, and Rosemary Bendure. He is survived by daughter, Jamie Bendure of Springdale, Arkansas and a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Susan Bendure of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the First United Methodist Church of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, in James' name.

Online condolences may be made at www.stephens-key.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in care of Stephens-Key Funeral and Cremation Care of Pryor.