Thomas Richard Bender, 65, of New Riegel, died at 10:33 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2012, at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo.
He was born Dec. 9, 1946, in Tiffin, to George Richard "Bud" and Helen Louise (Boehler) Bender. He married Barbara Ann Lawrence Feb. 10, 1968, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Tiffin, and she survives.
Other survivors include two daughters, Jodi Scherley of Sylvania and Jenny (Pat) Kapelka of Bloomville; seven grandchildren, Rachele and Steven Booze of Sylvania, Justin Scherley of Sylvania and Alyssa, Cayden, Hailey and Elayna Kapelka of rural Bloomville; a sister, Judy (James) Ritzler of South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.
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He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Timothy A. Bender.
Thomas attended Calvert High School. He was a cook at Tiffin Developmental Center, where he retired after 30 years; he then worked for ICP for six years. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He was the caretaker at Tiffin Boy Rangers Camp Hertzer for 22 years. He liked to tell jokes, do woodworking, cooking, listening to music and spending time with his beloved family and close friends. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and watching his hummingbirds.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday, June 10, 2012, at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-3113.
His funeral will be 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with the Rev. Michael Roemmele officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Seneca County Dialysis or to Home Away from Home at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in care of the funeral home.
For directions to the funeral home, to leave an online condolence for the family, or to view the Celebration of Life video go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com.
