Charles E. (Joe) Bender, 85, of Rigrish Addition, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born December 22, 1938, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to the late Pete and Hilda Bender.
He owned the Union 76 Gas Station in New Boston and later retired after 20 years of service as a mechanic for the Village of New Boston Service Department. Joe enjoyed dirt track racing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Pat Bender; two sons, Chris Bender and wife Kathy of New Boston, Vincent Bender and wife Rhonda of Portsmouth; grandchildren, Jessica & Eric Voiers, Cody & Danielle Bender, Brandon Bender (Mariah), Andrew Bender (Michelle), Hannah and Gabe Mena; and great-grandchildren, Tanner, Brady, McKylie, and Cam Voiers, Kendall, Connor, and Kennedy Bender, Alena and Maddox Mena.
Also surviving are sisters Leona Williams, Priscilla (Ron) Baker, and Wanda Lilly. A brother Roger (Ruthann) Bender, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a brother, Frank (Smokey) Bender and a sister, Emma Frances McGraw.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at D.W. SWICK FUNERAL HOME in New Boston, with Pastors Ron Baker and Gerald Penix officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg. The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the services on Saturday.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of SOMC Hospice for their care and compassion during this difficult time. Online condolences may be left at DWSwickFuneralHome.com.
