Paul L. Bender

Paul L. Bender 92 of Bluffton passed away at 10:55 A.M. Sunday, September 12, 2010 at Heritage Health Care in West Lafayette, Indiana. Paul was born on March 5, 1918 in Bluffton to Lawrence L. & Elizabeth A (Reiff) Bender. He graduated from P.A. Allen High School in 1935 and Purdue University in 1939. On April 6, 1941 he married Maro L. Bradburn. They were married for 53 years before she preceded him in death on July 8, 1994. Mr. Bender was an engineer and assistant production manager with Goodman Mfg. Co., Chicago, a heavy machinery manufacturer, until 1947, when he returned to Bluffton to associate as partner in the L.L. Bender & Company. In 1953 he entered the health care field with Wells County Hospital (later Wells Community Hospital) serving as its Administrator. He retired in 1987 after 34 years of service. Mr. Bender also served in many roles in Bluffton including; City Plan Commission, Mental Health Association, United Way, Anthony Wayne Council for Boy Scouts, Elm Grove Cemetery Association, Allen-Wells Chapter Red Cross Board, Regional Blood Services, Wells County Historical Society, Bluffton Lions Club, Elks Lodge and the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission. Professional Organizations include American Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers, American Academy of Medical Administrators, Indiana Hospital Association, former director Midwest Health Network. He was also been awarded: Outstanding Citizen Award in 1995, Melvin Jones Award for the Lions Club, and in 1987 was named Sagamore of the Wabash along with the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts, and recipient of the Clara Barton Award. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as trustee and Chairman of the Administrative Board. Survivors include a son Paul Lee (wife Connie) Bender, Jr. of West Lafayette, IN and Linda M. (husband Carl) Heuer of Las Vegas, NV, along with 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and a sister Georgiana Bender. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Bluffton with Pastor Larry Johnson and Rev. Cindy Osgood officiating. Calling hours will take place from 9 to 11 Thursday (prior to the services) also at the church. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Anthony Wayne Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Friends may send online condolences to www.thomarich.com. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton.

Paul L. Bender

March 5, 1918 - September 12, 2010