Lane Bender

Lane Ed Bender, 57, died Sunday July 20, 2025 at Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, CA.

Born September 2, 1967, in Port Jefferson, NY. He is preceded in death by his father, Lane Bender of Etna, PA, his mother, Clarice Smith of Rocky Point, NY and his sister Denise Rocker of Rocky Point, NY.

Mr. Bender, a First Lieutenant in the US Army, retired, was a seasoned first-chair trial attorney for the past 30 years. Mr. Bender obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990 and his law degree from Whittier Law School in 1993. In 1993, Mr. Bender was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania. In 1995, Mr. Bender was admitted to practice law in California.

He was a member of the Desert Princess Country Club, Cathedral City, CA and the winner of countless skins games which made him legendary on the course as well as in the clubhouse.

Lane graduated from Kiski School in 1986. He was such an accomplished and well-rounded student that he was named Head Prefect of the school his senior year. He was an incredible athlete and was deservedly chosen as captain of Varsity football, basketball, and baseball. He set numerous records in those sports as a result of his exceptional abilities. In one way or another, Lane touched the lives of just about everyone at that school. As a result, at the graduation ceremonies in May 1986, Lane was presented with The Kiski Award. This award goes to “the graduating senior who in the opinion of the Headmaster and faculty, through his scholastic achievement, leadership, breadth of interest and high personal standards, has been of greatest value to the school”. Lane had achieved this ultimate award because of the person he was, and he will remain in the memories of so many people whose lives he touched.”

Mr. Bender’s love for his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers was only exceeded by his love for his wife, Courtney and perhaps his affection for the city of Las Vegas, which may ultimately close down in the wake of this unfortunate loss.

He will always be remembered for his unbridled enthusiasm towards video poker and his unmatched generosity to those that did not attain his skill level nor the luck of the Vegas gods…or quite frankly weren’t very good.

His lust for life came through on a daily basis. He was a father, a husband, a brother, and an amazing friend that each of us will miss every second of every day.

He is survived by his wife, Courtney Bender; one son, Lane Bender of New York; one sister, Tracey Von Schmittou of Florida; one brother, Scott Bender of Colorado; and three grandchildren.

We invite family and friends to join us for visitation on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 69855 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, California. A private burial will follow.