Eugene L. Bender

Eugene L. "Gene" Bender, 89, of Battle Creek, died October 24, 2018. Gene was born November 15, 1928 in Battle Creek to L.J. and Marie (Healey) Bender. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and worked at Battle Creek Rendering, retiring in 1989.

Gene enjoyed working in his yard, and especially his rose garden. He received the "Most Beautiful Yard" award from the city of Battle Creek. He loved fishing at his cottage and bowling with his wife, LaVirne.

Gene married the former LaVirne Jones on November 1, 2001, who survives. Also surviving are his three children, Gloria Viers, Betty Bender and William L.J. Bender; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, three sisters and two brothers.

A graveside service to celebrate Gene's life will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 29, 2018 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, with full military honors. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.