Ralph E Bender

Ralph Eugene Bender of Turtletown, TN passed to a new life on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at his home.  He was 83 years old. He was born on November 24, 1933 in Marion, Ohio to Myrtle F. (Mathews) and Philip A. Bender.  Ralph was a Korean Army Veteran serving in Germany.  He graduated from DeVry Technical Institute in Industrial Electronics.  He was employed by ITT in Ohio and Florida. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Copperhill, TN. and also the Mixed Blessings Sunday School Class.  He loved his Lord and was always the first one to volunteer to help another in whatever manner he could be of service.  He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor.  His favorite activities were being with his children, granddaughters, the process of restoring of his 1931 Chevy, going on Missions trips and a multiple assortment of hobbies. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Barbara (McKinley) of Kenton, Ohio whom he married April 27, 1958; his children, Jody (John) Muchnok of Windermere, FL. Julie (Gil) Young of Oak Ridge, TN.; Granddaughters, Hailey Muchnok and Madison Muchnok of Windermere, Fl., Lindsey Young and Lauren Young of Oak Ridge, TN.; a brother, Paul (Judy) Bender of Lebanon, OH. and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Mildred Koehler, Jeannette Shields and Hazel Floridia; five brothers, Edgar, Auguste, Richard, Kenneth and Jack Bender. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Copperhill, TN on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at 12:00.  Memorial donations may be made in his name to the First United Methodist Church Missions Fund or Grief Share Fund at P.O. Box 538, Copperhill, TN. 37317