Gene Bender

Gene Wayne Bender born December 28, 1938 in Glassport, PA, was sent to his eternal home on October 18, 2025 after his journey with Parkinson's Disease.

Gene was the beloved son of John and Myrtle Bender and is formerly of Rostraver Township, PA. Gene is survived by his wife, Betty, his brother, Ronald (Joanne), his two children, Laurie Demek and Mark Bender, his gifted daughter, Patricia Cease, his grandchildren McKenna (Wesley) Gower and Noah Bender, his great-grandson, Gene Gower, and several nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his first wife of thirty-four years, Lana, and his brother John Sr.

Gene honorably served in the U.S. Army and was a retiree from Bell Telephone, where he worked until 1996. He was ordained by Mel Hileman and was an assistant pastor at Mel Hileman Ministries, now known as Christ of the Covenant in Charleroi, PA. Gene was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more lives who were touched by him. We ask that you remember him for the way his life was lived and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Family and friends will be received in the James C Stump Funeral Home Inc., 580 Circle Drive, Rostraver Township, PA, 15012 (724-929-7934) https://www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 1 to 7 p.m. A celebration of life service, which all are welcome to attend, will take place at Rock Run Inn, 800 Rock Run Road, Elizabeth, PA, 15037 https://www.butlersgolf.com on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. As per Gene's request, flannel dress is requested, but not required, for attendance at Gene's celebration of life service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations, in Gene's Memory, to Washington City Mission, 84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA, 15301 https://www.citymission.org