Raymond Bender

Raymond R. Bender, 79, of Antwerp, died Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Convoy Care Center.

He was born to the late Helen (Knapp) and Herbert Bender on April 15, 1930 in Fort Wayne and moved with his parents to Antwerp in 1933. Because his mother's ancestors (the Major family) had settled in Antwerp before Dec. 31, 1880, he qualified and was a member of the First Families of Paulding County, part of the Paulding County chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.

Ray was a retired owner of Bender's Garage on Ohio 49 just south of Antwerp. He also had been employed by U.S. Rubber, C&Y Oil Co. and the Antwerp Local School District. He also was a member of the Masons for more than 50 years. Raymond was an avid reader, particularly interested in regional and U.S. history. He had graduated from Antwerp High School in 1948. In the 1950s, Raymond served for nine years in the U.S. Army Reserves, rising to the rank of master sergeant. As a youth, he had been a member of Boy Scouts of America, Troop 143, and he later served as its scoutmaster.

On Dec 13, 1952, Raymond married Martha Townsend, who survives. He will be sadly msssed by his wife, Martha; daughter, Alice of Paulding; a son and daughter-in-law, Alex and Beth of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; and two grandchildren, Andrea and Collin Bender, also of Reynoldsburg.

Services and masonic rites are at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, Wednesday, 1 pm. Rev. Don Leckrone will officiate. Viewing is one hour prior to his service.

Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Visiting Nurses or the activity fund at Vancrest Convoy Care Center.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com