John Bender Jr. 91 of 12th St. Extension, Ellwood City, PA died on Sunday, September 13, 2009
at the Mary Evans Skilled Nursing Center following a two month illness.

Born June 10, 1918 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late John and Catherine Schmidt Bender.

He was married to the late Eleanor Hidvidge Bender who died December 8, 1999.

Mr. Bender was a corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the infantry in the South Pacific. He retired in 1974 from U.S. Steel Tube Mill where he worked in the bar mill. He was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed his daily walks and tending to his flowers.

Surviving are a son and daughter in law, John D. and Joyce Bender of East Palestine, Ohio; a daughter, Barbara L. Heimann of Houston, TX; a brother, William Bender of Langhorne, Pa; a sister and brother in law, Lazetta and Keith Beachem of Perry Twp; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Andrew and Henry Bender.

Visiting hours will be held from 7-9, Thursday, September 17 at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.

Funeral Services will be held at the Marshall Funeral Home on Friday, September 18, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Tom O'Brien of the First Christian Church officiating. Military services will be conducted by the Veterans Honor Guard.

Interment will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels or the donor's favorite charity.

Obituary may be viewed and condolences sent by visiting marshallsfh.com.