Richard G. "Dick" Bender Sr., Hermitage, passed away at 12:05 p.m. Tuesday (1-6-15) at home with family at his side. He was 83. Richard was born Oct. 29, 1931, in Sharon, a son of George J. and Isabelle Stambaugh Bender. A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Sharon High School in 1950. Following graduation, he gained employment with Bell Telephone Co., where he worked as a lineman. A decorated veteran of the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Dec. 29, 1950, and served with the 4th Communications Construction Squadron. He was honorably discharged Dec. 16, 1954, with the Korean Service, National Defense and U.N. Service medals. After his discharge from the Air Force, he returned to Bell Telephone and retired from management in 1987. He was a charter member and trustee at IHS Gospel Ministries, Hermitage; he loved his church and served in many capacities over the years. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing in years past. Dick was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; he loved spending time with his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. His wife, the former Donna Belle Morgan, whom he married on Oct. 11, 1952, survives at home. He is also survived by: his daughter, Jacquelyn A. Dahringer and her husband Harold, Hermitage; three sons, Richard G. "Dick" Bender Jr., at home; Timothy J. Bender and his wife Dawn, Big Pine Keys, Fla.; and Ralph A. Bender, also at home; two sisters, Sara Jones, Sharon; and Carol Huck and her husband Larry, Fort Mill, S.C.; three grandchildren, Harold Dahringer Jr. and his wife Nicole; Shanna Guggenheim and her husband Matthew; and Micah J. Bender; and five great-grandchildren, Allison, Ryan, and Emily Dahringer; and Madison and Hailey Guggenheim. He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant grandson, Alex Bender. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests that anyone wishing to make a contribution in his memory to please consider IHS Gospel Ministries, 786 Karen Lane, Hermitage, PA 16148. Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday (1-8-15) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St. Sharon. Service: Funeral at 11:30 a.m. Friday (1-9-15) in IHS Gospel Ministries, 786 Karen Lane, Hermitage, with the Rev. C. Charles Eckles, pastor, officiating. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church on Friday morning. Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.