He was born December 9, 1946 in Tiffin to George Richard “Bud” and Helen Louise (Boehler) Bender. On February 10, 1968 he married Barbara Ann Lawrence in St. Mary Catholic Church, Tiffin and she survives.
Other survivors include 2 daughters, Jodi Scherley, of Sylvania, Jenny (Pat) Kapelka of Bloomville, seven grandchildren, Rachele and Steven Booze of Sylvania, Justin Scherley of Sylvania, Alyssa , Cayden, Hailey and Elayna Kapelka of rural Bloomville; a sister, Judy (James) Ritzler of South Carolina and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Timothy A. Bender.
Thomas attended Calvert High School. He was a cook at Tiffin Developmental Center, where he retired after 30 years; he then worked for ICP for 6 years. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He was the caretaker at Tiffin Boy Rangers Camp Hertzer for 22 years. He liked to tell jokes, do woodworking, cooking, listening to music, and spending time with his beloved family and close friends. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and watching his hummingbirds.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday, June 10, 2012 at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113.
The funeral will be 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with Rev. Michael Roemmele officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Seneca County Dialysis or to Home Away from Home at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in care of the funeral home.