Lawrence A. “Larry” Bender, 85, of Ferdinand

Lawrence A. “Larry” Bender, 85, of Ferdinand passed away Sunday October 28th at Scenic Hills Care Center in Ferdinand. Lawrence was born October 19, 1933 in Siberia to Werner Sr. & Elenora (Denu) Bender. Larry was united in marriage to Patricia Kunkler on June 18, 1960 in Saint Martin Of Tours Catholic Church in Siberia.

Larry retired from Kimball International.  He was a member of Christ the King Parish, St. Ferdinand Church. He was a U.S. Army, Indiana National Guard Veteran, and member of Ferdinand American Legion Post 124. He enjoyed playing cards, farming and playing league softball.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Patricia Bender, two sons, Gregory Bender of Ferdinand and Tim Bender of Birdseye. Three grandchildren, Courtney, Alicia, and Ashlynne Bender. Four brothers, Joseph Bender of Indianapolis, Werner Jr. (Rosie) Bender of Jasper, John (Phyllis) Bender of St. Meinrad, and David (Brenda) Bender of St. Anthony. Two sisters, Elenora (Donald) Harpenau of Chrisney and Ann (Sylvester) Voges of Ferdinand. Larry was preceded in death by five brothers, Richard, Edward, Alois, Urban, and Louis Bender, and two sisters, Irene Egloff and Alvina Flynn.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 AM Friday November 2nd in Christ the King Parish, St. Ferdinand Church, burial with military graveside services by Ferdinand Legion Post 124 will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8:00 PM Thursday and from 7 to 9:30 AM Friday at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand. Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com.