Robert C. "Bob" Bender, 53, of rural Uniondale, passed away Saturday morning, May 26, 2012, at his residence. Bob was born on June 19, 1958, at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, to Urban John and Mary Ellen (Alexander) Bender. He married the love of his life, Lori A. Anderson on May 10, 1980, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bluffton; she survives. A 1976 graduate of Titusville High School in Titusville, FL, Bob later served in the Indiana Air National Guard. For 33 years he worked in the diagnostic imaging industry, servicing x-ray equipment for many hospitals in the area. Bob put his skills to charitable use, traveling to Honduras and El Salvador on mission trips. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bluffton. In addition to his wife, survivors also include two sons, Justin R. (Eva) Bender of Plymouth, IN, and Jonathan V. (Jessica) Bender of Schererville, IN; one daughter, Dr. Julayne A. (Jeffrey) Miller of Ossian; three sisters, Ruth (Frank) Ifer of Bluffton, Gail (George) Wetzel of Dale, IN, and Nancy (Randy) Hobby of Santa Claus, IN; and one brother-in-law, Ed King of Moores Hill, IN. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Betty Lou Bender and Jane (Bender) King. Bob was a dedicated family man. He adored his children and was very proud of each of them. He always looked for the good in everyone he knew, and was always helpful to anyone who needed his help. Bob was committed to a strong faith in God throughout his life, and is now sharing his lively humor in heaven. The rock of the family, Bob will be deeply missed. A rosary service will be held Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at 11:30 a.m. at Goodwin Memorial Chapel. Calling hours will begin immediately following the rosary service at the funeral home from noon until 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Fr. Francis Chukwuma will be held Thursday, May 31, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bluffton, with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Bluffton. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Red Cross Blood Services or St. Joseph Catholic Church.
