John Bender

John Bender, 84, of Center Township, was called home on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at Good Samaritan Hospice, Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born May 16, 1932 in Huttonsville, WV, son of the late Norman and Missourie (Luke) Bender. John proudly served his country with the U.S. Army.

He retired from Jones & Laughlin (LTV) Steel with over 25 years of service and over 20 years as a school bus driver with the Center Area School District.

John was a life member of the Center Volunteer Fire Department, Company #1; and a member of the Bunker Hill Community Church. Family was most important to John. Whatever activity they were involved in, John was right there to participate and support. He loved and cherished his grandchildren and his great granddaughter. John enjoyed traveling with his son Jeff, especially to visit his eldest sister Pauline in Lubbock, Texas.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years: Jennie Lee (Klosterman) Bender; and his siblings: Buddy, Barbara, Frank, Eugene, Betty and Margaret.

John is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law: John and Cathy Bender, Center Township; Jim and Connie Bender, Ashland, VA; Jeff Bender, Center Township; five grandchildren: Leslie (Chad) Rape; John Bender; Jason (Hilary) Bender; Ashley (Thomas) Johnson; and Jenna Bender; one great granddaughter: Kylee Rape; one sister: Pauline Banks, Lubbock, TX; former daughter-in-law: Susan Bender and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). Members of the Center Township Volunteer Fire Department will offer a brief prayer service on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the funeral home.

Military Honors will be presented by the Beaver County Special Unit 11 a.m. Friday followed by his funeral service with Pastor Jim Lewis officiating.

If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to Good Samaritan Hospice. On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com